November 17 to 19, 2026: The Energy Industry in Dialogue
How will Europe succeed on its path to electrification? Who determines the future of the European gas supply? And what challenges come with the Critical Infrastructure Umbrella Act (KRITIS-Dachgesetz)? These and other questions will take center stage at the fifth E‑world Kick-off. From November 17 to 19, 2026, representatives from the energy sector, politics, and trade associations will gather to discuss current developments and industry challenges. The free event series will take place daily from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CET) within the E‑world Community.
The series opens on November 17 with a focus on Europe’s electric future. Geopolitical crises, growing electricity demand, and the drive for strategic independence are creating new momentum for the electrification of both industry and society. But how can this rising energy demand be met? What role will power grid expansion, AI, and decentralized energy solutions play?
A fireside chat between Roman Dudenhausen (Conenergy AG) and Alexander Weiss (McKinsey) will kick off the first day and analyze the actual system costs of electrification. In the panel discussion that follows, Dudenhausen will be joined by Daan Walter (Ember) and other industry experts to discuss the key prerequisites for a successful transition and how Europe can build a secure, smart, and future-proof energy supply for the long term.
Between Markets and Geopolitics: What Will Shape Europe’s Gas Future?
On November 18, the focus shifts to the future of European gas supplies. The European natural gas market has been in a state of flux since 2022. Geopolitical crises, the transition to liquefied natural gas (LNG), and shifting supply routes have fundamentally altered the landscape. At the same time, new questions are emerging around security of supply, political dependencies, and the outlook for the upcoming winter.
Following two fireside chats with Jens Geier (SPD) and Stefan Rolle (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy), Nils Beenen (Uniper), Rainer Seele (Covestro), and Tatiana Mitrova (Center on Global Energy Policy) will discuss the future trajectory of the European gas market. The panel will be moderated by Ludwig Möhring (Federal Association for Natural Gas, Crude Oil and Geoenergy).
The KRITIS Umbrella Act: What Does it Mean for Municipal Utilities?
The third day of the event, November 19, is dedicated to the resilience of critical infrastructure (KRITIS). With the KRITIS Umbrella Act and the anticipated new KRITIS Regulation, energy suppliers, municipal utilities, and grid operators face far-reaching requirements. Discussions will center on how this new regulatory framework impacts the energy sector and what concrete measures companies and local authorities can implement today.
Moderated by Bernd Benser (critisLAB), Wolf Buchholz (Association of Municipal Enterprises – VKU), Roman Scheuschner (STEAG), and Karin Thelen (Municipal Utilities München) will discuss regulatory demands and practical solution strategies.
Free and Bilingual in the E‑world Community
The E‑world Kick-off is a fully virtual event, offering participants from Germany and abroad easy, free access. The first day will be conducted in English, while the following two days will be held in German. Simultaneous interpretation will be available for all three sessions in both German and English.
Ahead of the trade fair, the E‑world Kick-off sets the stage for meaningful dialogue on the core challenges facing the energy industry. The main event, E‑world energy & water, will take place from February 16 to 18, 2027, at Messe Essen. In addition, the E‑world Community provides year-round access to industry insights, discussions, and networking opportunities.
For more information on the program and registration, visit: https://community.e-world-essen.com/p/kick-off-2027