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June 17, 2026
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The EUPD Group to Deliver Comprehensive Market Insights, Strategic Networking, and Industry Engagement at The smarter E Europe 2026

Bonn, June 17, 2026: As the global energy transition continues to accelerate, the EUPD Group, Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S), and the International Battery & Energy Storage Alliance (IBESA) invite industry leaders, innovators, investors, policymakers, and sustainability professionals to join a dynamic week of knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration at The smarter E Europe 2026 in Munich, Europe’s largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry. Throughout The smarter E Europe, the EUPD Group and its affiliates will transform their presence into a meeting point for the renewable energy community, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with market intelligence experts, participate in high-level discussions, and connect with decision-makers shaping the future of energy. From exclusive market briefings and industry dialogues to award ceremonies and networking receptions, the programme is designed to turn conversations into partnerships and insights into action.

A Week of Insight, Innovation and Interaction

While the energy transition continues to face challenges from elevated costs, supply chain constraints, and regulatory complexity, momentum remains strong across key markets. Advancing the energy transition now is essential to enhance energy security, support sustainable economic growth, and deliver long-term value for stakeholders. By combining global market monitoring, primary downstream industry intelligence across PV and storage markets as well as an extensive network within the renewable energy industry, the EUPD Group is uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights into current and future market dynamics. The EUPD Group, JF4S, and IBESA will be represented by an extended team at Hall A2, Booth A2.171. In addition to the following events, representatives of the EUPD Group will be moderating several sessions at the Intersolar Forum.

The China-EU Solar & Energy Storage Industries Dialogue 2026 on June 22, 2026 (11:00 AM – 5:10 PM, H4 Hotel Munich Messe), jointly organised with the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, marks the first of the activities of the EUPD Group at The smarter E Europe 2026. Through presentations and panel discussions, specific topics from the photovoltaic (PV) industry will be explored within the European-Chinese dialogue. The detailed programme is available here.

The IBESA Day at the ees Forum (June 23, 2026, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Hall C2, Booth C2.230) hosted by IBESA provides country-specific insights and addresses major developments in global energy storage systems. Since the very beginning, IBESA has been a partner of the ees Forum, which serves as the central meeting point for the key trends in the energy storage industry. Ali Arfa and Saif Islam, both EUPD Group, open the IBESA Day with their presentation “Navigating Europe’s Energy Storage Market: Policies, Opportunities and Challenges”. Throughout the day, representatives from various national associations will present current dynamics in their respective markets (Barbara Adamska, President of PSME, Polish Energy Storage Association; Andrea Cristini, CEO of Anie Rinnovabili; Bobby Smith, Director, Energy Storage Ireland; and Fen Yue, Deputy Secretary-General, China Energy Storage Alliance). Collaboration with national solar and energy storage associations is a key component of IBESA’s activities. A detailed programme including all speakers and presentations of the IBESA Day is available here.

The 16th PV Briefing & Networking Forum Europe (June 24, 2026, 01:30 PM – 03:00 PM, Intersolar Forum,  Hall A3, Booth A3.150) organised by JF4S will provide a deep dive into technological innovations, current market trends, and successful business models in the PV market. An overview of the speakers and presentations of the 16th PV Briefing & Networking Forum Europe is available here.

For the first time, the EUPG Group will be hosting Utility Peer Exchange Sessions in collaboration with The smarter E Europe on June 23-24, 2026. These sessions, offered in both English and German, provide a dynamic platform for professional exchange through keynote presentations and in-depth expert discussions. Participants gain valuable insights into current industry developments while engaging directly with thought leaders and practitioners. The subsequent Utility Guided Tours of The smarter E Europe, hosted and moderated by the EUPD Group, begin at the Utility Lounge and help attendees navigate the exhibition and explore key innovations first-hand. Attendees will discover real-world projects, innovative technologies, and proven best practices that are already delivering results across the industry.

Celebrating Excellence Across the Energy Industry

A key feature of the activities of the EUPD Group at The smarter E Europe is the recognition of outstanding market performance and innovation. Through its established awards and certification initiatives, the EUPD Group will honour companies and organisations that are driving progress in renewable energy solutions. Award ceremonies and recognition programmes offer attendees the opportunity to celebrate industry achievements while connecting with leading brands, solution providers, and market pioneers.

The EUPD Research Installer Award, a global initiative by EUPD Research dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the invaluable contributions of installers as key stakeholders in the renewable energy industry, will be presented jointly with The smarter E Europe to installers on June 24, 2026 at 05:00 PM – 06:00 PM at the Intersolar Forum (Hall A3, Booth A3.150). Atmoce, Jackery, Kehua Tech, OSW, Solax Power, Sungrow, and Zendure are sponsors of this event.

During the EUPD Research Global EPC Awards Ceremony & Networking Event on June 24, 2026 (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM, leonardi KONRAD, Munich), the EUPD Research Global EPC Awards 2026 will be presented to EPC companies that demonstrate a strong market presence, outstanding project execution, professionalism, and significant contributions to the global energy transition. In addition, the event will provide an opportunity to network with EPC companies, manufacturers, project developers, and industry partners, as well as to exchange experiences. The event is sponsored by REFU Elektronik GmbH.

The 10th Energy Transition Award ceremony takes place at The smarter E Forum on June 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM – 01:45 PM (Hall C5, Booth C5.550). It aims to recognise energy suppliers that go beyond compliance by offering forward‑looking services that empower consumers and support the broader energy transition. In addition to a detailed analysis of multiple criteria across relevant future domains in the DACH region, the award highlights utilities from Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom, reflecting a broader commitment to cross-European sustainability.

Whether participants are seeking strategic partnerships, market insights, investment opportunities or new customers, the programme of the EUPD Group provides an environment where valuable conversations can flourish.

An overview of all EUPD Group activities during The smarter E Europe 2026 can be found here ».

About the EUPD Group

The EUPD Group is an internationally active group of companies headquartered in Bonn, Germany, specialising in market research and certification services in the areas of renewable energies, ESG and social sustainability. For over 25 years, EUPD Group has been dedicated to integrating data, strategy, and operational execution, supporting organisations and institutions through primary data-driven analysis, strategic advisory services, and certification services.

Through its four business units—EUPD Research, EUPD Improve, EUPD Cert, and EUPD Data—the EUPD Group supports organisations in making informed decisions and successfully managing transformation processes. Beyond strategic guidance, the EUPD Group delivers practical solutions that enable companies to implement sustainable measures, programmes, and business strategies effectively. The EUPD Group aims to enhance market transparency, accelerate innovation, and support sustainable growth across key future markets.

About the International Battery and Energy Storage Alliance

The International Battery and Energy Storage Alliance (IBESA), initiated by EUPD Research, is a global energy storage Think Tank and business accelerator. Having taken the lead in energy storage research and networking back in 2013, IBESA is the first alliance of excellence in the field of battery and energy storage that enables an international and practice-oriented transfer of knowledge. IBESA offers a worldwide network, contacts along the value chain of different business sectors, exclusive high-quality market research know-how as well as the complete marketing and public relations package – based on a long experience in business. By connecting key stakeholders along the entire value chain, IBESA enables companies of all sizes to directly communicate with relevant target groups – here, marketing intermediaries like installers, project developers and wholesalers are in the limelight. Moreover, IBESA puts a strong focus on business matchmaking and events all around the globe in order to help its partners establish a foothold in relevant target markets and segments.

https://www.ibesalliance.org

About Joint Forces for Solar

Joint Forces for Solar (JF4S) is a global solar alliance of industry stakeholders ranging from multinational corporations to industry associations and local installation companies who partner in the mission to expand the use of solar technologies at the global, regional and local level and establish a vibrant renewable and clean energy industry. Founded in 2009 by EUPD Research and Intersolar, the JF4S have grown to be the leading global business and knowledge platform and enabler. Partners benefit from comprehensive support to maximise their brand visibility, connect with other stakeholders and further establish solar energy. JF4S provides target group oriented marketing support, business matchmaking services, recent market intelligence, consulting and all the benefits of its extensive local networks around the globe.

https://www.jointforces4solar.com/

Press Contacts:
Julia Lünnemann | International Communication and Event Manager | EUPD Group | [email protected]

Katja Werner | Corporate Communications Manager | EUPD Group | [email protected]