KEY – The Energy Transition Expo Wraps Up in Rimini with Record Attendance

Rimini, Italy – The 2026 edition of KEY – The Energy Transition Expo concluded on March 6th at the Rimini Expo Centre, exceeding expectations with significant international participation and a strong focus on innovation and decarbonization. The event, a key platform for the energy sector in Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean basin, drew over 1,000 exhibiting brands, approximately 30% of which were international.

Record-Breaking Attendance and International Collaboration

This year’s expo saw the participation of 530 hosted buyers and delegations from 59 countries, facilitated by the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). Over 412 journalists from around the globe were accredited to cover the event.

Focus on Innovation, Decarbonization, and AI

The expo featured 160 conferences dedicated to critical themes in the energy transition, including energy efficiency for decarbonization, energy storage solutions, and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize electricity networks. A significant emphasis was placed on financial mechanisms, new investment models, and capital allocation for renewable energy projects, as well as tools for managing energy costs.

Innovation Awards Recognize Emerging Technologies

The Premio Innovation Lorenzo Cagnoni was awarded to seven startups and seven exhibiting companies at KEY 2026, recognizing their most innovative projects across each of the event’s product categories.

Minister Pichetto Fratin Highlights Italy’s Energy Vision

The event was inaugurated on March 4th by the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, alongside Maurizio Renzo Ermeti, President of IEG, Anna Montini, Rimini Municipal Councillor for Ecological Transition, Maurizio Forte, Central Director for Export Sectors at the Italian Trade Agency, Vinicio Mosé Vigilante, CEO of GSE, and Irene Priolo, Regional Assessor for the Environment, Emilia-Romagna. Minister Pichetto Fratin underscored Italy’s commitment to renewable energy and technological neutrality as part of a sustainable development strategy.

Looking Ahead to 2027

KEY – The Energy Transition Expo will return to the Rimini Fair from March 10th to 12th, 2027, continuing its role as a pivotal event for the energy industry.