Powertage 2026 draws conclusions: Swiss electricity industry needs more coordination, digitalization and implementation speed
With more than 2,000 participants and over 140 exhibitors, Powertage 2026 in Zurich concluded successfully. The networking event demonstrated where the Swiss electricity industry stands in the transformation process: Technical solutions are available; the decisive factors now are coordination, digitalization, regulatory clarity, investments and the successful implementation of concrete projects.
This year’s Powertage attracted strong participation and broad resonance. More than 140 renowned exhibitors provided a comprehensive overview of technical trends and developments, attracting over 2,000 visitors once again. “The transformation of the electricity industry is no longer a future question but an implementation task. The Powertage made it clear that the industry has many solutions at its disposal. What is now needed is coordination, reliable framework conditions and speed in concrete projects,” said Corinne Thirion, Exhibition Director.
Exhibitors present innovations around the energy transition
In the two exhibition halls, Powertage showcased the full spectrum of the industry. National energy service providers were represented alongside leading industrial companies, technology and IT providers as well as educational and research institutions. Young companies and start-ups also used Powertage as a platform. Products, services and projects were presented along the entire value chain – from energy generation and storage through grid infrastructure, trading and distribution to metering, information technology and operational technology. The event thus underscored that the transformation of the electricity system does not depend on a single technology but requires the interplay of infrastructure, data, regulation, markets and implementation.
Strong resonance in the Forum
The discussions at the Powertage Forum focused on the following questions: How can Switzerland ensure long-term security of supply? What framework conditions are required for investments? And what role do market integration, digitalization and flexibility solutions play in the energy system of the future?
June 16, 2026 | More renewable energy – more coordination: Pathways to a stable electricity system
Under the patronage of the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE), the first day centered on the question of how renewable energies can be successfully integrated into the Swiss energy system while ensuring security of supply and economic viability. Representatives of Swissgrid, ElCom, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and distribution grid operators discussed the increasing number of grid interventions to maintain system stability, the development of balancing energy markets and growing regulatory requirements. Rapid grid expansion, the use of flexibility, improved forecasts and more intensive data exchange were identified as key levers for a successful transformation. The panel agreed that the energy transition requires greater coordination, willingness to innovate and appropriate regulatory framework conditions.
June 17, 2026 | From the smart grid to the intelligent energy transition: Digitalization as a driver of change
The second day, under the patronage of Electrosuisse, showed how digitalization and decentralized generation are fundamentally changing distribution grids. New real-time data from the field level enable more efficient grid utilization and lay the foundation for targeted grid expansion. Above the fog line, alpine photovoltaic installations offer an attractive winter electricity profile, yet they also face challenges related to connection lines, snow depth and wind load. Practical examples from various Swiss regions also illustrated the growing volatility of load flows and markets as well as new regulatory uncertainties. Standardized data structures, more precise forecasts and stronger networking within the industry were highlighted as key factors for a successful transformation.
June 18, 2026 | Successful projects as accelerators: The energy transition gains momentum locally
The third day focused on the implementation of the energy transition. The discussions made clear that the technological prerequisites for the expansion of renewable energies are in place and that substantial progress has been achieved in wind, hydro and solar power. The decisive factor now will be to systematically scale successful projects and make the knowledge gained more widely usable. Decentralized solutions, innovative companies and local initiatives are playing an increasingly important role. At the same time, it was emphasized that acceptance among the population and in politics remains a central success factor and significantly determines the pace of implementation.
Speakers Corner makes practical solutions visible
After the Forum, the Speakers Corner also became a meeting point for innovations and practical solutions in the electricity industry. Exhibitors and partners presented current trends, new technologies and concrete projects in compact short presentations, always in direct exchange with moderator Giulia Staub and the audience. The diverse insights impressively demonstrated the innovation capacity, expertise and future potential within the industry. From intelligent energy grids and digital applications to sustainable supply solutions, it became evident that the energy transition is already being shaped today with concrete ideas and implementable projects.
Partnership with Suisse Eole creates space for exchange on opportunities, challenges and concrete solution approaches
The first-time collaboration with Suisse Eole placed the topic of wind energy at the center of Powertage. Experts from politics, business and practice discussed current developments, presented successful projects and highlighted the importance of wind power for a secure and sustainable energy supply. Regulatory hurdles and urgent fields of action were also identified. “Wind energy belongs at the center of the debate on security of supply, precisely because it delivers the largest share of its production in the winter half-year. The industry is ready to implement wind projects and make its contribution. The exchange at Powertage was therefore particularly valuable: it showed how great the interest in the electricity industry is and how important it is to create the right framework conditions for concrete projects now,” emphasized Olivier Waldvogel of Suisse Eole.
The next Powertage will take place from May 16 to 18, 2028 in Zurich.
MCH Exhibitions & Events Ltd.
MCH Exhibitions & Events Ltd. is a subsidiary of the internationally active MCH Group, headquartered
in Basel, Switzerland. The company develops and organizes 12 own exhibitions and events in Basel,
Zurich, and Lausanne – including established platforms such as Swissbau, Igeho, Giardina, Ilmac and
the professional education fairs. In addition, MCH Exhibitions & Events Ltd. hosts around 170 guest
events annually at its Basel and Zurich locations. With Messe & Congress Center Basel and Messe
Zürich, the company operates the largest and most versatile event venues in Switzerland. The MCH
Group employs more than 800 people, approximately half of whom are based in Switzerland and the
United States.
www.mch-group.com / www.messe-basel.ch / www.messe-zuerich.ch
Further information for media:
Image material for Powertage can be found in the image database.
Media contact:
Dominique Farner | Brand & Communications Manager
T +41 58 206 21 99 | dominique.farner@messe.ch
MCH Exhibitions & Events Ltd. | 4005 Basel, Switzerland
