The 2026 edition aims to further strengthen partnerships among industry players and institutions, promoting dialogue and joint efforts to accelerate decarbonisation. Visitors will explore advanced technologies and solutions that reduce energy use and minimise environmental impact, supported by an extensive programme of conferences and training sessions.
How Italy is advancing the solar energy transition
KEY 2026 will be reinforcing its global profile with a focus on Africa, particularly the North and sub‑Saharan regions, as well as Turkey and Europe, including Germany, Spain, the UK, Poland, Serbia and the Balkans. The event was previewed alongside Ecomondo 2025 through a roadshow in Cairo, Belgrade and Warsaw.
New layout for Rimini Expo Centre
For the first time, KEY will occupy all halls of the Rimini Expo Centre, featuring seven interconnected thematic areas covering photovoltaics, wind energy, storage, efficiency, e‑mobility and sustainable cities. New additions include:
- HYPE – Hydrogen Power Expo, supported by Hydrogen & Fuel Cells, co-organised with Hannover Fairs International
- Su.port – Sustainable Ports for Energy Transition, highlighting port electrification, maritime sustainability and logistics for floating renewables and hydrogen
- Innovation District, showcasing green start-ups and SMEs, plus the Green Jobs & Skills initiative and the Lorenzo Cagnoni Innovation Award
Energy efficiency at the core
The expanded Energy Efficiency Area will again feature the Sustainable Building District, organised with Green Building Council Italia, and Federcostruzioni, representing Italy’s full construction and infrastructure supply chain. Through its second Call for Papers, KEY invites research contributions from universities, companies and institutions. The 25 selected abstracts will be published in a special issue of QualEnergia Science, to be launched during the event.
KEY CHOICE – unlock the future of PPAs
Held on 3 March 2026 at Rimini’s Palacongressi Conference Centre, this B2B event, developed with Elemens, will explore opportunities in Power Purchase Agreements. Alongside KEY, IEG will host DPE –International Electricity Expo, organised with the Distributed Generation Association and ANIE Federation, covering power generation, transmission, distribution, safety and automation. (hcn)
Solar Investors Guide – ELTIF 2.0 and PPAs open doors for investment
