The OpenADR Alliance recently exhibited at Enlit Europe in Bilbao, Spain. This annual exhibition is a critical opportunity to connect with utilities, grid operators, energy producers, technology innovators, and policymakers worldwide. This year’s three-day event provided fresh viewpoints, revolutionary technologies, and significant cooperation opportunities within the energy industry.
Enlit 2025 fostered in-depth discussions on cutting-edge trends. The show floor featured well-planned themed areas and national pavilions, focusing on key themes such as peer-to-peer energy trading, microgrids, and local renewable energy production.
Digitalization and Decarbonization Zones
Two major zones that were standouts this year included:
- The Digitalization Zone offered attendees the chance to interact with new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity tools, digital twins, smart meters, and Virtual Reality (VR) applications—all key to optimizing grid performance and user engagement.
- The Decarbonization Zone explored practical solutions including solar and wind technologies, carbon capture systems, hydrogen applications, and battery storage
Industry Partner Highlights
The Alliance was pleased to connect with key industry partners smartEn, Mercury Consortium, and member Codibly. Please check out their videos below:
- Michael Villa, smartEn Smart Energy Europe: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7396547638097108992
- Andrew Molineux from Mercury Consortium: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7396855409346711553
-Spencer Borison from Codibly: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7396559184349052928
In addition, Rolf Bienert had the opportunity to participate in the SmartEn morning Q&A session. The live Flexible Demand Management Industry session brought an incredible level of energy, insight, and participation. It was a lively 90-minute exchange with the 19 companies including the OpenADR Alliance.
Key Highlights and Takeaways
Discussions across the Summit and Hubs focused on hybrid solutions, storage, system flexibility, and smart integration—practical innovations moving from concept to real-world application. From grids and renewables to hydrogen and AI, the conversations clearly showcased how the energy transition is becoming more dynamic, interconnected, and hands-on. Other note worthy statistics include:
-Attendance: 15,000+ professionals from 140+ countries, including 72% decision-makers and 600+ utilities.
- Content: 500+ speakers and 200+ sessions covering competitiveness, electrification, AI, grid optimization, and more.
- Networking: Influential leaders and unmatched networking, with conversations that shaped strategies and sparked partnerships.
- Matchmaking: 60,000 networking actions and 9,000 meetings scheduled through the event app.
- Side Events: 120+ side events, from site visits and expert roundtables to receptions.
- Social Event: A spectacular Sunset Summit at The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
The OpenADR Alliance will be exhibiting again in 2026. We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Vienna, Austria (November 10-12).