Smarter E Europe 2026 highlights renewable energy reliability

The Smarter E Europe 2026, Europe's largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry, is emphasizing the reliability and affordability of renewable energy through its new special exhibit, Renewables 24/7. The event, taking place at Messe München from June 23–25, aims to demonstrate how renewable energies can ensure a secure energy supply around the clock. This message is reinforced by a new study from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, which will be presented on June 23.

The study, titled "Cost-Optimal Transformation of the German Energy System by 2045 – Setting the Course for a Reliable, Resilient and Climate-Neutral 24/7 Energy System," was conducted on behalf of The Smarter E Europe. It asserts that a renewable energy system is not only reliable and cost-effective but also promotes growth and prosperity in industrialized nations. The exhibition expects to host around 2,800 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors.

Key Exhibitions and Discussions

The special exhibit Renewables 24/7, located in hall C5, serves as the standout attraction, demonstrating the practical application of a renewable energy system. The event will also feature a panel discussion on June 23 with Michael Kellner, Ursula Heinen-Esser, Prof. Dr. Christian Stöcker, and Luisa Neubauer. Hosted by energy expert Dr. Tim Meyer, the discussion will address the technical and social viability of a fully renewable energy system.

E-Mobility and Grid Integration

The Bidirectional Zone will showcase how electric vehicles can charge, store, and feed electricity back into the grid. Companies with large fleets can utilize smart charging and virtual swarm storage technologies to achieve attractive returns on investment. These technologies highlight the integration of e-mobility into the broader energy grid.

Green Hydrogen and Technology Transfer

The Hydrogen Dialogue Forum & Expo, part of the ees Europe segment, will focus on hydrogen as a key transformation element. The Hydrogen Dialogue Summit, scheduled for June 24 and 25 at the International Congress Center München (ICM), will explore current trends and challenges. Bavarian Minister of State Hubert Aiwanger will open the summit. Additionally, the ees Innovation Hub Stage in hall B0 will present the results of the ees Island Challenge 2026 (BEYOND EARTH), showcasing space technology applications for Earth's critical infrastructure.

Europe's offshore wind ambitions face significant risks from rising costs and supply chain constraints, according to a new industry report published by think tank GlobeScan. The study, commissioned by Dajin Heavy Industry, highlights that only 7% of senior executives representing approximately 85% of Europe's existing and planned offshore wind capacity are fully confident the European Union will meet its targets. The findings underscore the growing challenges in project delivery as the continent seeks to enhance energy security and expand domestic clean energy manufacturing.

Policy Measures and Developer Sentiment

Policymakers are currently evaluating measures to strengthen strategic autonomy, including local content requirements, trade instruments, and cybersecurity rules. The report indicates that while developers broadly support cybersecurity requirements, their backing for other mechanisms is conditional. Respondents expressed support for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) only if implementation remains practical and predictable. However, support diminishes significantly for measures that could increase costs amid ongoing inflationary pressures, specifically local content requirements and trade restrictions.

Key Challenges to Project Delivery

The report identifies three primary areas affecting the ability to deliver offshore wind projects:

Challenge	Impact
Supply chains	Bottlenecks and capacity constraints across global and European networks are making project delivery less predictable.
Trade restrictions	Import tariffs and trade defence measures are viewed as harmful due to limited near-term alternatives for key components.
Local content requirements	Mandatory provisions are seen as potentially limiting project viability in a tight cost environment.

Respondents emphasized the importance of maintaining efficient global supply chains while strengthening Europe's industrial base. The study suggests that achieving deployment targets requires project affordability, investment certainty, and timely execution.

About Dajin Heavy Industry

Dajin Heavy Industry is a leading offshore wind fabricator specializing in monopiles, transition pieces, offshore towers, jackets, and floating foundations. The company is expanding into shipbuilding and integrated transport solutions. With over 25 years of experience, Dajin ranks among the top-tier global manufacturers of wind power equipment. Notable milestones include being the first Chinese supplier to deliver offshore towers to Europe and the first APAC supplier in over a decade to provide XXL monopiles to the European market. Dajin Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. is advancing into offshore wind installation to offer a one-stop integrated solution encompassing manufacturing, transportation, marshaling, and installation.