The transition to the new energy world kicks off at Intersolar and ees Europe 2016

At Intersolar Europe, the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry, and ees Europe, the continent's largest exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems, 1,077 exhibitors demonstrated how they are advancing the global energy transition.Even in the run up, both exhibitions were already seeing considerable success, with exhibition space booked out two months in advance. Around 43,000 visitors from 160 countries came together in Munich for the two exhibitions.

A fantastic atmosphere and perfect solar-weather: Together with the parallel event ees Europe, Intersolar Europe sent the market a positive signal to mark its 25 year anniversary. The exhibition halls were very well attended. The solar and storage market is growing around the world, and this momentum could be clearly felt in Munich. Exhibitors and visitors were extremely pleased with the event.

Over the past 25 years, Intersolar Europe and its organizers have supported and driven forward the establishment and expansion of the worldwide photovoltaic industry. The industry has undergone significant changes in this time: Solar energy is well on its way to becoming the most inexpensive form of energy generation – in many parts of the world, electricity production costs for solar energy from photovoltaics (PV) are already as low as 5 to 7 euro cents per kilowatt hour. For this reason, PV as well as wind power will play a central role in the energy supply of the future. Storage systems are the backbone of this new energy world, as they guarantee supply safety, and are therefore an important catalyst for the global energy transition. In contrast, fossil fuel and nuclear power generators are steadily being forced into decline.

Intelligently connecting energies

Sensibly integrating clean energy into the grids and shaping the transition to the new energy world is essential for the future, which is why smart renewable energy was the key topic at this year’s Intersolar and ees Europe. The exhibitions linked the topics of energy generation, storage, grid integration and energy management. Equally important at the exhibition: Smart technologies that analyze and optimize power generation and consumption as well as interconnect various pieces of technical equipment to help create smart concepts for utilizing, managing and storing renewable energy.

The new focus on smart renewable energy and the accompanying forum proved particularly popular with visitors. At the forum, exhibitors and experts showcased potential solutions for combining renewable energies and storage in a smart power grid.

Facts and figures 2016

2016 saw strong growth, in particular for ees Europe. The exhibition space grew by 40% and the number of exhibitors by 35%. 213 battery und energy storage manufacturers showcased their products at ees Europe alone, and an impressive 369 of the total 1,077 exhibitors across Intersolar Europe and ees Europe presented pioneering energy storage solutions. Around 60% of the companies at both exhibitions came from outside Germany, although with 351 exhibitors, Germany was the country with the largest number of exhibitors. Together, the two exhibitions recorded an 8.4% increase in the net exhibition area. In comparison with the previous year, 7% more exhibitors came to Munich in 2016. Approximately 43,000 visitors travelled from 160 countries, making Intersolar and ees Europe once again the most international events in the industry.