At WindEnergy Hamburg, the global players of the onshore and offshore wind industry affirmed their commitment to advancing the energy transition together. The focus was on the political, economic and technological conditions needed for climate-friendly and resilient energy systems.
WindEnergy Hamburg, the flagship fair of the global wind energy industry, closed on 25 September 2026 after four expo days. “We have received enthusiastic feedback from numerous exhibitors. The openness and the strong spirit of cooperation that characterise the international wind community have set the mood at this event, generating a unique energy to power the fair,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.
Apart from a wide range of networking opportunities, the event was an occasion to close many deals. “WindEnergy Hamburg once again demonstrates the innovative strength and dynamism of our industry. We are taking away many valuable discussions and positive impulses: we were able to engage intensively with customers and partners about our next technological steps and show how, together, we can help advance their projects,” said José Luis Blanco, CEO of Nordex Group.
Over 40,000 attendees from more than 100 nations visited the expo at Hamburg Messe und Congress, where more than 1,600 companies from around 40 countries exhibited their innovations. Around 30 national pavilions were set up, with the Czech Republic and Greece as first-time participants. Ambassadors of many countries, alongside top-level representatives of ministries from nations such as India, Vietnam, Oman, Türkiye and Germany, attended the event. The figures are preliminary estimates based on statistics from the last day of the event, 12 noon.
In his welcome address, Hamburg’s First Mayor Dr Peter Tschentscher said: “The energy transition is one of the most significant challenges of our time. Hamburg has developed into a major hub for the European wind industry. With 1,600 exhibitors and over 40,000 visitors from around the globe, WindEnergy Hamburg brings together relevant companies, innovators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.”
Cooperation enhances resilience
WindEnergy Hamburg sent two key messages: despite political and economic challenges such as high financing costs, slimming margins, supply chain issues and lengthy permitting processes, the industry is able to continue along its growth trajectory around the world; and collaboration across nations and continents is the key to sustainable success.
It also became clear that continuing the expansion of wind energy requires not only generation capacity but also adequate infrastructure. Grid expansion was therefore another core topic at the fair, as many markets are still lagging behind in terms of grid intertie options and grid capacity, presenting significant obstacles to further growth of wind power. In the same context, the importance of well-developed ports, logistics infrastructure and offshore supply chains was emphasised. These are essential prerequisites for the expansion of offshore wind energy, particularly for the transport, assembly and maintenance of wind turbines that keep growing in size. As an international logistics hub for wind energy, Hamburg has a major role to play in the global energy transition.
Against the backdrop of current supply chain bottlenecks, the importance of wind energy for the independence of energy systems from imported fossil energy sources was a much-discussed topic. Achieving resilience and energy sovereignty means diversifying supply chains and pushing innovations that reduce dependencies. One example is Winergy Genera, a compact generator type showcased by drive-train specialist Flender at WindEnergy Hamburg. Designed entirely without permanent magnets, the unit dispenses with rare earths. “Wind energy has become a central pillar of Europe’s secure energy supply,” said Andreas Evertz, CEO of Flender Group. “Every kilogramme of material saved, and every extra percentage point of efficiency gained make wind energy more competitive – and the industry’s competitiveness will determine the pace of its expansion.”
Global players meet start-ups
From equipment manufacturers and suppliers to software developers, certification organisations and logistics companies, from global market leaders to newcomers, WindEnergy Hamburg reflected the industry’s entire value chain. One highlight of the 2026 event was the inclusion of energy storage as a featured topic with an exhibition hall of its own. Storage technologies and smart system integration, which enhance the economic viability of wind farms, are considered game changers for the industry.
“WindEnergy Hamburg was an outstanding event, and the Energy Storage Area proved to be the ideal platform to present ENEVO Group. As an EPC partner for wind, hybrid and other renewable energy projects, we also provide Automation & SCADA solutions and cybersecurity services. We welcomed many visitors and explored numerous opportunities for collaboration, both here in Germany and across Europe,” said Eduard Meiloiu, Vice President Renewables at the engineering firm ENEVO Group.
Breadth and depth of topics
The supporting programme, featuring over 300 speakers, attracted plenty of attention. From regulatory questions and market design to digitalisation, artificial intelligence and talent recruitment, experts shared insights on key industry issues on six open stages and engaged in discussions with their audiences. The Recruiting Days, providing trainees and students with an opportunity to learn about career options in the wind energy industry, were likewise well attended. “Knowledge transfer and information exchange are a big part of what WindEnergy Hamburg is all about,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach, adding that they are essential for the industry’s ability to overcome the many challenges it faces.
Next stop: Singapore
Both CEOs of Hamburg Messe und Congress, Heiko M. Stutzinger and Uwe Fischer, gave a positive assessment of the fair. “With SMM, the world’s leading maritime industry event, WindEnergy Hamburg and the twin events Hydrogen & Carbon Capture Technology World Expo, Hamburg has emerged as a hot spot of the energy transition,” said Stutzinger. “We are steadily continuing along this route on both the national and international levels,” added Fischer.
The next highlight event will be WindEnergy Asia-Pacific powered by RECHARGE in Singapore from 25 to 27 May 2027. A number of associations and exhibitors have already committed. “WindEnergy Asia-Pacific is a key platform for connecting wind industry stakeholders with the services, expertise and solutions needed to maximise performance. As a key growth market for the global wind sector, the Asia-Pacific region offers major opportunities for collaboration, with the conference bringing together partners from across the value chain to drive innovation and growth,” said Sivakumar Jayapal, Chief Service Officer at ZF Wind Power.
The next WindEnergy Hamburg will take place from 26 to 29 September 2028.
