The E-world energy & water 2025 has kicked off, making a strong statement right from the start: With 980 exhibitors from 34 countries, Europe’s leading trade fair for the energy industry has set a new record. Until Thursday, national and international experts will gather at Messe Essen to discuss the future of energy supply—with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation, and digitalization. From smart grid infrastructures and new hydrogen technologies to digital business models, the industry is showcasing how the energy supply of the future can be shaped.
At the ceremonial opening on the eve of E-world, Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, emphasized the importance of the trade fair: “E-world is one of the most important driving forces for the development of a sustainable, secure and economical energy supply in Germany and Europe. It is all the more significant that this leading international trade fair takes place in North Rhine-Westphalia, a key energy and industrial region. Our goal: to become Europe’s first climate-neutral industrial region – and North Rhine-Westphalia is taking decisive steps to achieve this. With an energy transition that strengthens our competitiveness and energy security while safeguarding our prosperity.”
Panel guests call for better distribution of costs
At the opening press conference on the first day of the trade fair, the issues currently affecting the industry were clearly evident. “The questions of security of supply and fair load distribution urgently need to be answered,” said Dr. Christoph Müller, CEO of transmission system operator Amprion. He called for a fairer distribution of the costs of grid expansion.
This was also emphasized by Kerstin Andreae, Chairwoman of the BDEW (German Association of Energy and Water Industries) Executive Board: “At the end of the day, the transformation of the energy system must remain sustainable for the energy industry and affordable for consumers. The new federal government must establish the right framework conditions for the industry – without micromanagement. A reduction in electricity prices could be achieved through a reduction in the electricity tax for everyone and a subsidy for transmission network charges.”
The cost factor is crucial for the social acceptance of the energy transition. At the press conference, Katherina Reiche, CEO of Westenergie AG, presented the findings of a recent study conducted by the Wuppertal Institute on behalf of Westenergie AG. The results highlight a significant gap between necessity and satisfaction: while 60% of respondents see the energy transition as essential in the long term, only 15% are satisfied with its progress. Nearly half fear negative economic consequences. Reiche emphasized: “These findings are a clear wake-up call. We need a cross-party consensus on the energy transition – one that serves as a guiding framework and remains effective beyond legislative terms.”
E-world is already showing solutions for the energy supply of tomorrow
The integration of new energy generation systems into the grid is a key challenge for the energy industry. Numerous exhibitors at E-world have brought solutions for this. Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia Mona Neubaur: “E-world shows: The technical solutions for restructuring the energy system are ready. North Rhine-Westphalia is leading the way nationwide in their implementation. Nowhere else is the expansion of renewables succeeding faster.”
Fully booked halls and significantly more exhibitors: the strong response from the industry impressively underlines the importance of E-world. In order to continue to meet the strong demand, Europe’s leading trade fair for the energy industry will therefore open an additional exhibition hall next year. In Hall 6, the focus will then be on energy infrastructure, among other things.
Further information can be found at www.e-world-essen.com
