The numbers speak for their high relevance in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy world – with more than double the exhibition space compared to the previous year, ees Europe attracted over 106,000 visitors from 166 countries as part of The smarter E Europe. Researchers, experts and entrepreneurs from across the world also experienced a comprehensive accompanying program consisting of conferences, forums and side events. The date for next year’s event has already been set – the next ees Europe will take place as part of The smarter E Europe at Messe München from June 19–21, 2024.
One key technology in the energy transition to balance the volatile generation of renewable energies are battery storage systems as they are able to supply energy flexibly. “In Germany this flexibility is built into more than 650,000 residential storage systems, while a growing number of companies are having commercial storage systems installed and large-scale storage systems are supporting our grids each and every second,” says Jan Figgener, Head of Section Grid Integration and Storage System Analysis, RWTH Aachen University, about the significance of the industry.
With a growth of over 100 percent, ees Europe further boosted its position as Europe’s largest and most international exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems in 2023. Around 650 exhibitors presented innovative battery technologies and sustainable solutions for storing renewable energies across five exhibition halls and an outdoor exhibition area. More than 300 additional companies were present at the exhibitions that took place in parallel.
The diverse accompanying program consisting of the ees Europe Conference, ees Forum and Green Hydrogen Forum was oriented towards global players in the battery and energy storage industries.
Keeping up with the times: ees Europe presented a comprehensive accompanying program
On June 13 and 14, the ees Europe Conference shone the spotlight on the latest developments and trends, while also providing a global networking platform for the industry’s decision makers.
Among other topics, experts discussed the use of artificial intelligence and the EU’s planned electricity market design for the energy storage market. At the ees Forum, trade visitors and experts learned all about battery markets, technologies and best practice applications. The forum program was rounded off with sessions on Energy Security and Price Stability of Commercial Storage Systems (“Energiesicherheit und Preisstabilität von Gewerbespeichern”) in addition to panel discussions between market leaders.
Watch now: pv Guided Tours 2023: Important innovations for your solar business – on video!
At the Green Hydrogen Forum, the important topic of “green hydrogen” was the order of the day. This year, the forum served once again as the starting point for new partnerships for pioneering projects and the expansion of production in Germany, Europe and worldwide. In cooperation with the German Hydrogen and Fuel-Cell Association (DWV), experts used this platform to discuss new mobility and infrastructure solutions, project highlights and challenges. Werner Diwald, Chair of the DWV, summarizes: “Only with green hydrogen and fuel-cell vehicles can we achieve the ambitious, but necessary, emission reduction targets in transportation – particularly in long-haul heavy goods transportation and long-distance mobility – in a user-friendly, renewable energy industry.” In 2024, the Green Hydrogen Forum will be held for the fourth time.
Impressions of the ees Europe Conference
Batteries and energy storage systems are crucial for the success of a new energy world. Only with the use of high output energy storage technology can wind and solar energy sources be secured, thus ensuring a 24/7 energy supply.
Renewable energy is growing inexorably, by 2030 the power generation from renewable sources will quadruple – a prediction expressed by Patrick Clerens at the ees Europe Conference. The Secretary General at EASE (European Association for Storage of Energy) still believes that the infrastructure requires expansion, emphasizing the significance of storage systems in the industry and the power grid. Dr. Ralf Plieninger, Chief Technology Officer of sonnen GmbH, expressed the view that the energy storage industry needs to break free from being seen as just a special interest niche. “The goal is to produce a standard product that truly everyone can use, afford and understand,” he explains.
The increasing dynamism of the industry was also felt by the exhibitors. “At ees Europe 2023, it was plain to see that the next phase of the energy transition has started. Until recently, the focus had been on becoming independent from fossil fuels by using PV installations and storage systems. Now, we’re looking at smart involvement in the energy market,” states Christian Haferkamp, CSO of SENEC GmbH.
Did you miss that? Solutions for the power grid of the future
“We can reflect on three successful days at this exhibition,” says Sabine Kloos, project manager ees Europe. “Exhibitors, experts and professionals alike exchanged views and drew inspiration from each other. ees Europe once again brought the growth and relevance of the energy storage industry into focus, which is why we are looking all the more forward to the next iteration in 2024.”
As part of Europe’s largest platform for the energy industry, The smarter E Europe, the next ees Europe event, as well as the accompanying Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe, and EM-Power Europe exhibitions, will be taking place at Messe München from June 19–21, 2024. (hcn)
