Near Record Breaking Numbers Attend Energy Conference

POWER-GEN Europe and Renewable Energy World Europe 2016 in Milan is experiencing close to record-breaking numbers of attendees this week. More than 13,500 people joined 535 exhibitors to discuss ideas and celebrate successes in Europe’s the energy sector. The three-day event concluded with visions for implementing the promises agreed on at COP21 earlier this year.

“We are thrilled. The support from the industry here in Milan completely exceeded our expectations,” says Nigel Blackaby, Conference Director of PennWell. “The success of the event demonstrates huge enthusiasm, optimism and determination from technology providers and industry insiders to make the most of the many opportunities that are emerging from the energy transition and deliver on our COP21 promises.”

This year’s event opened with the highly anticipated Joint Keynote Session from Enrico Viale, Head of Global Generation, Enel Group; Giuseppe Bergesio, CEO of IREN Energia; and, Robert Guest, Foreign Editor for The Economist. The speakers offered diverse perspectives from the power industry today – providing visitors with a comprehensive and insightful overview of the European sector.

The Joint Plenary Discussion followed with a line-up of companies facing the challenge and opportunity of the energy transition in Europe, including ANIE Federazione, Ansaldo Energia, GE, MEDREG Association, Siemens AG and Sorgenia SpA. The panel debated the implications of de-carbonisation post-COP21, the development of energy storage and the speed of the energy transition. The experts agreed that while large strides have been made towards Europe’s energy targets, care needs to be taken to ensure the right thinking, regulation and innovation is available to support the transition.

‘Energy Storage Day’ and ‘Hydropower Day’ followed, with dedicated conference tracks unpicking the benefits, challenges and opportunities of these technologies. Investment was another key focus of the programme, giving companies the opportunity to hear insights direct from investors.

A busy best paper awards ceremony took place in the final hours of the event. These awards are an opportunity to highlight those who have made a noteworthy contribution to the show.

POWER-GEN Europe and Renewable Energy World Europe 2017 is taking place in Cologne Germany. Register your interest now for more details and to take advantage of early bird pricing.