The rapid price development of solar energy is mainly driven by the photovoltaic modules, whose prices dropped by 93 percent between 2009 and 2023. The price of other components, such as inverters and mounting systems, has also fallen. Battery storage has seen similar developments: The price of this technology, which is essential for a 24/7 renewable energy supply, has dropped by 89 percent between 2010 and 2023.
To ensure solar and wind power deployment continues at a rapid pace, infrastructure must expand alongside and become smarter. Digitalization and flexibilization are key to building powerful grids and markets for tomorrow’s energy world.
Solar overtakes fossil fuels
It is estimated that between 2000 and 2023, the use of solar energy saved around 78 billion US dollars in fossil fuel costs. When all types of renewable energy are considered, an estimated 409 billion US dollars were saved. But that’s not all: The European solar association SolarPower Europe predicts that the construction of PV systems will continue to grow at an extremely dynamic rate in the next few years.
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According to the association, the total installed solar capacity worldwide in 2028 would be 5,117 gigawatts, more than the current installed capacity of all coal, gas, oil and nuclear power plants combined, which is around 4,930 gigawatts.
Over 3,000 exhibitors expected
The organizers are expecting more than 3,000 exhibitors to attend The smarter E Europe’s four sub-exhibitions Intersolar Europe, ees Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe, including all relevant market and technology leaders such as CATL, Huawei, LG, LONGi, Samsung or Siemens.
Exhibitors can look forward to seeing 110,000 visitors over the three days of the exhibition from May 7–9. A comprehensive and diverse accompanying program, specialist conferences and seven exhibition forums are sure to make these exhibitions a place for debate and discussion. Next year, there will be a novel special exhibit on the future-focused topic of bidirectional charging.
Great anticipation among the organizers
The organizers of The smarter E Europe are looking forward with excitement to the exhibition days in May 2025: Markus Elsässer, Founder and CEO of Solar Promotion GmbH, explains: “Next year, The smarter E Europe and its sub-exhibitions will once again demonstrate that the energy transition is not only possible, but is quickly becoming a reality.“
„Falling costs and technological advances in recent years have put renewables into the fast lane. Each year, our exhibitions offer exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to get an overview of the solutions, business models and applications and to gain insights into global trends and innovations“, Elsässer underlines.
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Hanna Böhme, Managing Director of Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG, adds: “The smarter E Europe 2025 will be a place and space for global discussions and cooperation. Its exhibitions, forums and panels provide a platform for people to work together to create a climate-neutral energy future. Munich is the place where projects are brought underway.” (hcn)
