Power-Gen & Renewable Energy World Europe draws 11000 visitors from over 100 countries

The POWER-GEN and Renewable Energy World Europe 2014 co-located events generated optimism and excitement for the future of Europe’s energy market. Covering key issues such as the integration of renewable, the stability and reliability of the grid and the security of energy supply, the exhibition drew more than 11,000 visitors from over 100 countries.

“I saw many delegates at this year’s event express their optimism for the future of energy during this unprecedented era of change,” said Nigel Blackaby, Conference Director at PennWell. “It was extremely encouraging to see the ground-breaking innovations and ideas being discussed and debated by thought-leaders during the conference sessions. New contacts were made and contracts signed on the exhibition floor, confirming POWER-GEN and Renewable Energy World Europe’s position as the leading power event in Europe.”

The year’s event opened with a Joint Keynote Session from Dr Martin Giesen, Chairman of Advanced Power; Matthias Hartung, CEO of RWE Generation; and, Vesa Riihimaki, President, Power Plants & Executive Vice President, Wärtsilä Corporation, Finland. Offering a full picture of the industry today, Giesen warned that the rise of renewables and the phasing-out of nuclear is causing a ‘deadly mix’ that has hit confidence, trust and profits. In contrast, Hartung spoke of the progress being made with Germany’s Energiewende, and how he has changed his company’s business model in line with the nation’s ambitious energy goals. Furthermore, Wärtsilä’s Riihimaki put forward a new energy market model called the ‘flexibility model’ designed to mitigate the intermittency of renewables.

On the second day of the conference, the Joint Plenary Panel Discussion explored the central theme of this year’s event “Navigating the power transition”. Comprised of five industry experts from around the world, the panel debated the importance of adaptation for the industry, the role that national and European governments should play in guiding the market, and how technology can be the a catalyst for change. There was a consensus that the current power transition will continue for the near future, and that the rate of change will increase exponentially. The panellists agreed there are no easy solutions to the challenges faced by Europe, and that many industry players must adapt to survive. Crucially, utilities must accept that those purchasing energy are ‘consumers’ as opposed to simple ‘rate payers’, and adjust their business strategies accordingly.

On day three, in a first for these events, the key conference topics were summarised in a Joint Summary session chaired by the Conference Director, Nigel Blackaby. The session gave a line-up of panellists the opportunity to share their thoughts, and delegates the chance to ask questions and provide feedback.

Panellists at the session included Jacob Klimstra, Energy & Engine Consultant, Jacob Klimstra consultancy; John Horner, Director, E for Energy and Eldred Clark, Engineering Manager, ACE European Group. The panellists concluded the conference by reiterating their optimism for the future and thanking POWER-GEN and Renewable Energy World Europe for offering a key platform for energy companies, industry professionals and government officials to come together and discuss the issues that are affecting their business.

Next year’s event will be held on 9-11 June 2015, and returns to the Amsterdam RAI, Netherlands.