The ees Innovation Hub brings together the energy storage industry under the theme ‘Research meets Industry’. From research institutes and start-ups to market leaders, innovative storage experts will showcase the latest research, studies, products, battery technologies, applications, solutions, and business models at the exhibition and on the ees Innovation Hub Stage.
PV Guided Tours: Up close with the innovations
Visitors can expect a diverse programme of talks on the ees Innovation Hub Stage. Topics will cover the use of artificial intelligence and self-learning software in battery research, energy trading, and the increasingly important issue of recycling. The partners of the ees Innovation Hub Stage include the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and RWTH Aachen.
ees Europe: Strong focus on hydrogen
Commenting on the new format, Sabine Kloos, Exhibition Director of ees Europe, said: ‘The goal of the ees Innovation Hub is to connect research and industry. Exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and witness innovative developers in action.’
From Munich to Curaçao: research teams in a live competition
One of the special highlights on the stage is the kick-off of a live competition on the first day of the fair (May 7): the ees Island Challenge. In this competition, three interdisciplinary teams led by top universities and research institutes will develop innovative concepts for transforming a former refinery site on the Caribbean island of Curaçao into a sustainable community space.
ees Europe 2025: storage industry meets battery research
Visitors to the trade fair can watch the teams in action and interact with them on 7 and 8 May in Hall B0 (Stand B0.160). A five-person jury, composed of technology and business experts, will select the winner with input from the audience after the concept presentations on 9 May.
The competition was inspired by the global initiative ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’ developed in collaboration with the German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V. – BSW).
Expert analysis: Battery storage as a business model for PV
Gianni Chianetta, Chairman of the ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’, explains: “The 100% RES Islands Initiative creates specific case studies for islands that serve as global models. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: islands need tailored, integrated renewable energy roadmaps, with storage as a fundamental element. We look forward to the ees Island Challenge with Curaçao and BSW as a pioneering, globally relevant innovation project.”
Networking with influencers
The ees Innovation Hub will also enhance the visibility of exhibitors. Throughout the three days of the exhibition, the ten finalists and winners of The smarter E AWARD in the Energy Storage category will showcase their award-winning products in the Hall of Fame. Additionally, the hub will serve as a key destination for influencers and podcasters, and will host networking receptions.
pv Europe readers can get a free day ticket for The smarter E Europe with the promo code gentner_2025 here
ees Europe, along with the concurrent events Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe, and EM-Power Europe, will take place from May 7-9 2025 at Messe München as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe's largest exhibition alliance for the energy industry. (hcn)
