18th edition reinforces India’s transition on renewable expansion to technology depth and manufacturing scale.
Gandhinagar: The smarter E India 2026 concluded on 27 February after three days of sustained policy dialogue, commercial negotiations and technology showcase, drawing over 20,698 business visitors to the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar.
Held from 25–27 February, the trade fair reaffirmed its position as Gujarat’s largest clean energy trade platform. Increasingly described by industry participants as the “Energy ka Mahakumbh,” the event has evolved into a central convergence point for stakeholders across solar, energy storage, Green Hydrogen, electric mobility and emerging clean technologies.
Organised by Messe Muenchen India, the 18th edition hosted more than 271 exhibitors from over 15 countries across Halls 1, 2, 8 and 10. What unfolded over the three days was not merely product display, but a working marketplace — marked by structured meetings, procurement discussions and project planning conversations. Actor Pratik Gandhi supported the initiative, helping amplify the broader narrative of India’s energy transition.
Shri. Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel, Honourable Minister – Energy and Petrochemicals, Panchayat and Rural Housing, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Gujarat, inaugurated the trade fair along with Shri. Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia, Honourable Minister – Forests & Environment, Climate Change, Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat.
They were joined by Shri. Kaushikbhai Kantibhai Vekariya, Honourable Minister – Law & Justice, Energy & Petrochemicals, Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Gujarat.
“Gujarat’s energy transformation has been decisive and sustained, with power generation increasing nearly tenfold since 2001 and significant expansion in transmission and consumer awareness. Guided by the vision set during Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s tenure as Chief Minister, the state embedded environmental responsibility early and today leads across wind, solar, and battery storage. Our newly launched policy-driven frameworks ensure transparency and equal opportunity for every serious investor. It is a matter of pride that Gujarat ranks among the highest in electricity consumption, reflecting strong industrial and economic growth. Platforms like The smarter E India further strengthen this momentum by bringing innovators, manufacturers, and policymakers together to advance India’s green energy future.”
The ministerial message reflected a broader sentiment at the trade fair: energy transition in India is being driven through institutional continuity and industrial expansion.
The conference at The smarter E India 2026 focused on how India could move from rapid capacity addition to true leadership in clean energy. Held at Bandhej, The Leela Hotel, under the theme “Adoption to Leadership: Powering Atmanirbhar Bharat through Technological Innovation,” the three-day programme brought together industry leaders, policymakers, technology experts and investor.
Discussions addressed India’s 50 GW solar stress test, the growth of distributed solar in Gujarat, evolving C&I open access models, and the scaling of battery energy storage systems. Sessions examined the strengthening of India’s PV manufacturing ecosystem, upstream expansion into polysilicon and wafers, advances in solar cell R&D including perovskite and tandem technologies, circular PV recycling, and next-generation battery chemistries beyond lithium-ion.
Across panels and presentations, the conference combined policy insight, manufacturing strategy, grid integration challenges, and emerging technologies, offering a grounded view of how India’s clean energy ecosystem is evolving toward greater self-reliance.
The 2026 edition also strengthened knowledge exchange formats beyond traditional panel discussions. Voices of India’s Energy Leaders – The smarter E India POD Cast Series captured candid conversations with senior policymakers, industry heads and innovators. These recorded dialogues explored regulatory reform, financing challenges, domestic R&D and India’s global positioning — offering insights designed to outlast the exhibition dates.
Complementing this, the Global Innovators and Start Up Area spotlighted emerging technologies and next-generation companies. Start-ups and growth-stage firms presented solutions across advanced storage chemistries, digital grid tools, EV charging optimisation and hydrogen applications. The format enabled direct engagement with investors, developers and strategic partners, encouraging collaboration rather than passive observation.
Together, these initiatives expanded the event from a trade platform into a knowledge and strategy hub.
Bhupinder Singh, President – IMEA, Messe München & CEO, Messe Muenchen India, observed, “This year felt different. The industry is clearly scaling up, and that momentum was visible in the strong participation at the show. You can see that policy intent, capital investment and technology capability are now moving in the same direction. On the show floor, companies were preparing for real scale. The focus has shifted to building capacity that can support long-term growth, not just short-term gains. The unprecedented 2X jump of the expo and conference is a true statement of how India is accelerating toward self-reliance and how Gujarat is playing a major role as the manufacturing hub.”
Dr Florian Wessendorf, Managing Director, Solar Promotion GmbH, added, “India’s clean energy story is now defined by capability. International stakeholders are engaging here to build partnerships, manufacturing alliances and long-term technology collaborations. The depth of discussions over these three days confirms that India is shaping its own industrial trajectory.”
With attendance of 20,698 industry professionals and strong participation from international stakeholders, The smarter E India 2026 demonstrated that India’s clean energy transition is moving into a more structured, technology-driven phase.
Over three days from 25–27 February, the exhibition positioned itself once again as Gujarat’s largest clean energy gathering — a convergence point many in the industry now refer to as the Energy ka Mahakumbh.
The smarter E India will return to Gandhinagar from 9–11 March 2027, continuing to serve as an important platform for India’s expanding clean energy ecosystem.