The ees Innovation Hub connects the energy storage industry under the motto ‘Research meets Industry’. From research institutes and start-ups to market leaders – innovative storage experts present the latest research results, studies and innovative products as well as battery technologies, applications, solutions and business models in the exhibition and on the ees Innovation Hub Stage.
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Visitors can look forward to a comprehensive programme of talks on the ees Innovation Hub Stage. Topics range from the use of artificial intelligence and self-learning software in battery research to energy trading and the hot topic of recycling. The partners of the ees Innovation Hub Stage are the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and RWTH Aachen.
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Commenting on the new format, Sabine Kloos, Exhibition Director of ees Europe, said: ‘The aim of the ees Innovation Hub is to bring together research and industry. Visitors to the exhibition can discover the latest trends and see the most innovative developers at work.’
From Munich to Curaçao: research teams in a live competition
One of the special highlights on the stage is the kick-off of a live competition on the first day of the fair (May 7): in the ees Island Challenge, three interdisciplinary teams—led by leading universities and research institutes—are developing innovative concepts for transforming a former refinery site on the Caribbean island of Curaçao into a sustainable community space.
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Visitors to the trade fair can watch the teams at work and interact with them on 7 and 8 May in Hall B0 (Stand B0.160). A five-person jury of technology and business experts will select the winner with the help of the audience after the concept presentations on 9 May.
The impetus for this competition came from the global initiative ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’. The competition was developed jointly with the German Solar Industry Association (Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V. – BSW).
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Gianni Chianetta, Chairman of the ‘Greening the Islands Foundation’, explains: ‘The 100% RES Islands Initiative creates specific case studies for islands that serve as global models. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: islands need tailored, integrated renewable energy roadmaps, with storage as a fundamental element. We look forward to the ees Island Challenge with Curaçao and BSW as a pioneering, globally relevant innovation project.’
Networking with influencers
The ees Innovation Hub will also boost the visibility of exhibitors: On all three days of the exhibition, the ten finalists and winners of the The smarter E AWARD in the Energy Storage category will present their award-winning products in the Hall of Fame. In addition, the hub will be the first port of call for influencers and podcasters, and will host networking receptions.
ees Europe and the concurrent events Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe will take place from May 7–9, 2025 at Messe München as part of The smarter E Europe, Europe’s largest exhibition alliance for the energy industry. (hcn)