In 2025, the new highlight of ees Europe, Europe’s largest and most international exhibition for batteries and energy storage systems, will be the ees Innovation Hub. The central platform for research and industry will be bringing together scientists, visionary companies, industry professionals and influencers. On all three exhibition days, a diverse mix of knowledge transfer, networking and live action awaits industry players in hall B0 at Messe München. Attractions include the hall of fame, where finalists and winners of The smarter E AWARD are presented, an exciting live challenge and inspiring presentations as well as networking events. ees Europe will take place from May 7–9, 2025 as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry. Some 3,000 exhibitors and over 110,000 visitors are expected to attend.
Under the motto Research Meets Industry, the ees Innovation Hub will interconnect the stakeholders of the energy storage industry. From research institutes and start-ups to market leaders – at the exhibition and on the ees Innovation Hub Stage, innovative storage experts will be presenting the latest research findings, studies and novel products, battery technology, applications, solutions and business models. The ees Innovation Hub Stage offers visitors a comprehensive presentation program, ranging from the use of artificial intelligence and self-learning software in battery research, to energy trading and the very topical issue of recycling. The ees Innovation Hub Stage is co-hosted by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and RWTH Aachen University. Sabine Kloos, ees Europe’s project manager, explains the new format: “The ees Innovation Hub aims to bring together research and industry. Visitors can investigate the latest trends and experience the most innovative developers at work.”
One of the special highlights on the stage will be the kick-off for a live competition, the ees Island Challenge, on the first exhibition day (May 7). Under the leadership of renowned universities and research institutes, three interdisciplinary teams have to develop innovative concepts for transforming a former refinery on the Caribbean island of Curaçao into a sustainable community space. On May 7–8, in hall B0 (booth B0.160), exhibition visitors will be able to watch the teams at work, and to interact with them. Following the presentations of the concepts on May 9, a panel of five technology and economics experts will select the winner with the help of the audience.
The idea for the competition was born out of the global Greening the Islands Foundation initiative, which developed the competition together with the German Solar Association (BSW). Gianni Chianetta, Chair of the Greening the Islands Foundation, explains: “The 100% RES Islands Initiative is creating concrete island case studies that serve as global models. No single solution fits all: Islands need tailored, integrated renewable energy roadmaps, with storage as a cornerstone. We look forward to the ees Island Challenge with Curaçao and BSW as a pioneering, globally relevant innovation effort.“
The ees Innovation Hub will create more visibility for exhibitors: On all three exhibition days, the ten finalists and winners of The smarter E AWARD in the Energy Storage category will be presenting their products in the hall of fame. For the first time, the hall of fame will feature a point of contact for influencers and podcasters, as well as networking receptions.
ees Europe, and the parallel events Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe, will take place from May 7–9, 2025 as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry, at Messe München.e Energiewirtschaft, auf der Messe München statt.