From February 28 to March 3 , renewable energy and energy efficiency professionals have another opportunity to meet at IFEMA for GENERA 2017 , the International Energy and Environment Exhibition. This event presents an excellent opportunity to discover the latest technological advancements in the sector through the proposals and solutions of 76 exhibiting companies from Germany, Belgium, Spain, India, Italy, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Turkey.
In 2007, before the financial crisis, Spain consumed 80 million tons of oil per year , while in 2015 that figure fell to 60 million. Although this drop is partly due to the economic situation, it also reflects a transition towards alternative energies, driven by growing concerns about climate change. During those eight years, the use of renewable energies in the country increased by 61% , while hydroelectric production remained stable.
In addition to the positive environmental impact, this change resulted in considerable savings in energy imports, which reached €2.353 billion in 2015 , according to data from the employers' association APPA . Furthermore, 75.475 new jobs were created in the sector, demonstrating its importance in both economic and social terms.
This year, the GENERA 2017 trade fair coincides with SIGA , the integrated water cycle trade fair . Both events offer a unique opportunity for professionals interested in both renewable energy development and water resource management. Genera will close on March 3rd, bringing together leading players in the energy sector in Hall 1 of the IFEMA exhibition center.
Exhibitors and sectors present at GENERA 2017
At GENERA 2017 , exhibitors dedicated to the solar energy sector will present their innovations in the areas of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and concentrated solar power . Other key sectors such as biomass, wind energy, hydrogen, geothermal, and cogeneration will also be represented . The trade fair will cover not only the most advanced technologies but will also pay special attention to micro-cogeneration , which enables the energy recovery of industrial processes.
Energy service companies, which focus on optimizing and improving the efficiency of energy resources in industry, will also be present at the exhibition . These companies are key to improving the energy performance of various sectors, maximizing savings and reducing the environmental footprint.
Technical Conferences and B2B Program
One of the main attractions of GENERA 2017 is its Technical Conference , organized in collaboration with the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) , the employers' association APPA , and the Italian Chamber of Commerce . These sessions address the economic outlook for the sector, as well as specialized solutions for education and public administration . In addition, the evolution of the energy sector in Europe and the importance of self-consumption will be discussed.
This year, the fair features the Business Beyond Borders (BBB) ​​program , sponsored by the European Commission, which will promote bilateral meetings between European companies in the energy sector. Around 200 companies are expected to participate, gaining access to new business opportunities and learning about the latest technological innovations.
Innovation Gallery: Technological Vanguard
The Innovation Gallery is another highlight of GENERA . This year , 16 projects representing the most innovative developments in Spanish renewable energy and energy efficiency technology were awarded . The proposals include new solutions for electricity generation from renewable energy sources, smart grids, sustainable networks , and energy storage systems.
Among the innovations presented were products such as fuel cells for portable applications, management software for heating, air conditioning, and industrial refrigeration companies , high-performance wind turbines, and thermal energy recovery systems. These advances underscore the energy sector's commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
The Business Beyond Borders initiative also places a strong emphasis on the internationalization of SMEs in the energy and environmental sector. The aim is to help them access international markets and foster economic growth both within and outside of Europe. It provides an opportunity for these companies to meet with other firms in the sector and participate in interactive conferences on the latest market trends.
The MadrI+D Foundation, Madrid Network and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce support this initiative, which is aimed at facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the creation of business networks among participating companies.
At the close of the fair, both exhibitors and attendees will agree on the opportunity that GENERA 2017 represents for strengthening the energy industry in Europe and creating new business ties.