The Italian Exhibition Group’s (IEG) KEY – The Energy Transition Expo, held at the Rimini Expo Centre, has emphatically cemented its position as a pivotal international platform for energy efficiency and sustainability. The 2025 edition witnessed unprecedented growth, marking a landmark moment for the global energy sector, particularly across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This event has emerged as a critical catalyst in the accelerating global energy transition.
Unprecedented Growth and International Acclaim Define KEY 2025
KEY 2025 achieved remarkable milestones, evidenced by a 20% increase in total attendance compared to the previous year. The expo’s international stature was further amplified by a 40% surge in foreign participation. This year, the event hosted over 1,000 exhibitors, with more than 30% representing international companies, underscoring its growing global appeal. The exhibition space expanded to 90,000 square meters across 20 halls, making it the largest and most comprehensive edition to date. The event facilitated connections between 350 hosted buyers and official delegations from over 50 countries, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). The involvement of leading industry associations further solidified KEY’s role as a vital hub for international collaboration.
A Nexus for Innovation, Knowledge Exchange, and Policy Dialogue
For three transformative days, the Rimini Expo Centre served as the epicenter of energy transition discourse. The event featured over 160 conferences, workshops, and panel discussions, convening industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore the latest advancements in renewable energy, decarbonization, and energy efficiency. The expo’s significance was underscored by the presence of Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, who inaugurated the event on March 5th, 2025, alongside Michele De Pascale, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Their participation highlighted KEY’s strategic importance as a platform for policy dialogue and collaborative initiatives between the public and private sectors.
Expanding Horizons: New Focus Areas and Enhanced Media Presence
KEY 2025 introduced two new specialized focus areas: Ports and Hydrogen, developed in collaboration with Hannover Fairs International GmbH (HFI), the Italian branch of Deutsche Messe AG. These additions broadened the event’s scope to address emerging trends in the energy landscape. The expo also garnered extensive media coverage, with 400 accredited journalists from Italy and abroad, amplifying its impact and reach within the global energy sector.
Fostering Innovation, Green Skills, and Sustainable Employment
A central theme of KEY 2025 was the promotion of innovation and the development of skills essential for a sustainable future. The Innovation District showcased cutting-edge technologies, while the second edition of the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award recognized significant contributions to the industry. The Green Jobs & Skills initiative addressed the growing demand for expertise in sustainable technologies, emphasizing the importance of education and training to support the energy transition.
KEY CHOICE: Driving PPAs and Addressing Critical Energy Challenges
The second edition of KEY CHOICE – Unlock the Future of PPAs focused on energy costs and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) as a strategic financial solution. This exclusive B2B event, held on March 4th at Rimini’s Palacongressi Conference Centre, facilitated PPA contract negotiations between energy suppliers and energy-intensive companies. A dedicated session on Data Centres highlighted their critical role in technological development and energy demand management, contributing to the broader discussion on sustainable energy solutions.
Looking Forward: KEY 2026 announced for continued global impact
Building on the remarkable success of the 2025 edition, KEY will return to the Rimini Expo Centre from March 4th to 6th, 2026. This forthcoming event promises to be another significant milestone in the ongoing journey toward global energy transition. With its expanding international presence and unwavering commitment to innovation, KEY remains an indispensable event for industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders shaping the future of sustainable energy.
