The organisers of European Utility Week have confirmed that the 2015 event, which took place in Vienna from 3-5 November, was the most successful in the event’s history.

Synergy, a Clarion Events company, who run what has become the leading event for the smart energy community to come together, do business and discuss the future of the energy industry, is now looking to build on that success at next year’s event which will be held in Barcelona, Spain from 15-17 November 2016.

The three-day event in Vienna saw over 9,300 people from 77 countries in attendance with representatives from two key regions – Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as Russia, Ukraine, Central and Eastern European countries - making up 45% of those taking part – a 22% increase on last year’s total.

European Utility Week provides a platform for the industry to come together and discuss emerging trends and future energy solutions. This year’s event saw a real shift in the market, especially from large utilities, who have become more open to the idea of changing their current business models and collaborating with innovative newcomers to the market. This shows how new industry trends are driving the need for ongoing innovation at every level in the sector.

Next year’s event in Barcelona aims to be just as inclusive with an increased focus on Renewables as well as the Gas and Water sectors. The show will also feature two additional events within the conference - one focusing on Intelligent Buildings and the other on Smart Generation.

Paddy Young, Director, European Utility Week explained:

“Vienna has been everything we were hoping for and more. The diversity of those who took part was astounding and the fact that so many were from Central and Eastern Europe was especially important as these were really key markets for us – I’m delighted that so many from these countries were able to participate.

“The feedback we’ve had this year has been extremely positive and reflects how we are working with the market, taking into account changes within the industry and offering a platform to showcase the great achievements in the sector.

“What was especially new to this year’s event was the focus on innovation especially with the introduction of more initiatives to include start-ups and young talent. We really feel this was reflected in the industry, that there is a true need for more established energy businesses to connect with new and exciting ideas that could shape the future of the sector. European Utility Week is providing a platform to help businesses move forward into a new energy future.

“Barcelona will provide us with yet another opportunity to highlight the best of what’s going on in the smart energy field. Our two new events which will be incorporated are particularly exciting – smart generation will be a real departure for us and given that carbon dioxide produced from buildings alone make up 38% of all human Greenhouse Gas emissions, a focus on Intelligent Buildings should prove very pertinent.

“In the meantime, I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who took part in European Utility Week 2015. It’s the delegates, the exhibitors and those who visited us that made the event the success it was. I look forward to welcoming you all again next year and to building on what we’ve all achieved together.”

ENDS

Additional quotes from attendees of European Utility Week 2015:

Inken Braunschmidt, Head of RWE Group Innovation, RWE:

“EUW developed to a very vibrant place connecting people and companies via the right topics. I especially appreciated meeting the growing number of startups, young talent and new industry players as well as companies from other industries. All being part of the future energy system.”

Gaia Gallotti, Research Manager, EMEA, IDC Energy Insights:

“European Utility Week is the event to be at if you work in the utilities industry. It was my seventh year attending, and I always learn something new and meet someone new. This year I witnessed a shift in utilities to more eagerly collaborate with the ecosystem, and truly partner up with solution and services providers to thrive in the future.”

Lars Weber, Senior Programme Manager, E.ON Energy:

“It was great meeting leading managers of the utilities of Europe and vendors of new solutions in Vienna. Both have been very inspiring. Especially the panel discussion I had with Neil Clitheroe and Dr. Manuel Sanchez Jimenez showed that the market understanding and the opportunities as well as the threats for the commodity business from companies outside the traditional industry are perceived in similar ways. We were of the common opinion that the change to a more solution based residential business is inevitable and has a smart meter component but is actually difficult to nail down in terms of how and when.”

Dr James Watson, Chief Executive Officer, SolarPower Europe:

“European Utility Week conferences bring together the key actors responsible for delivering on the energy transition we are all experiencing. This makes them must attend events with great topical content and invaluable networking.”

Dato' Mohandass S Nair, Director, Smart Billing Project, Tenaga Nasional Berhad

“EUW is an excellent event for utility players to network and learn about the latest available solutions for the industry. It is a “not to be missed” event for utilities and related industry players. There are innovative ways to tackle utility issues and sharing of experience by leaders in the industry.”

Harald Överholm, PhD Co-founder & Director, Eneo Solutions:

"This is where you meet the future players of the utility industry. The focus of EUW has never felt more pertinent than in these days of disruptive transformation of the utility sector. Thanks for providing a platform for both incumbents and revolutionaries (like ourselves) to meet!"