The 4th edition of the “KEY – Energy Transition Expo” concluded on Friday at the Rimini Exhibition Centre in Italy, registering a 10% increase in the number of visitors, with 9% being international, and the participation of 530 buyers from around sixty countries.
As a leading event of the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) in Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean region, this energy transition fair was also distinguished this year by the presence of around 1,000 exhibitors, including 320 international ones, reaffirming its role as a global energy platform.
Inaugurated last Wednesday by Italian Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Key Energy 2026 spans 125,000 square meters of exhibition space and 24 halls, showcasing European and international industrial and technological expertise, while promoting international cooperation, particularly with the African continent.
Featuring 160 high-level conferences, the exhibition solidified its status as a major event in the energy sector in Europe. Topics discussed included the importance of energy efficiency for decarbonization, energy storage, and the use of artificial intelligence to optimize electrical networks, forecast renewable energy production, and manage energy flows in real time.
By merging technological innovation and finance, this edition facilitated dialogue between engineers, technology developers, investors, and institutions, aiming to ease project financing and accelerate implementation.
Innovation and green jobs were also at the forefront of the Innovation Hub, which brought together 32 start-ups and SMEs. As part of this initiative, the Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award was given to seven start-ups and seven exhibitors for their most innovative projects, with one award presented in each product category at the exhibition, which included solar, wind, hydrogen, energy efficiency, energy storage, electric mobility, and sustainable cities.
At the same time, the IEG organized the new edition of the international electricity fair DPE, dedicated to the ecosystem of electricity production, transport, distribution, security, and automation.
The next edition of the “KEY – Energy Transition Expo” will take place at the Rimini Exhibition Centre from March 10 to 12, 2027.
MAP