Key Energy Transition Expo Set for March 5-7 in Rimini, Featuring Major Players Like Hera and Enel

From March 5 to 7, 2025, the Rimini Fair will host Key – The Energy Transition Expo, the most significant European event focused on energy transition. This year, over 1,000 exhibitors are expected, with 30% being international participants, making it the largest edition to date. The fairgrounds will serve as a central hub for discussions on energy transition and efficiency amidst a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.

Supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ICE Agency, approximately 350 buyers and delegations from over 50 countries are anticipated, particularly from North Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans. The revamped layout will span 90,000 square meters across 20 pavilions, featuring thematic areas such as photovoltaics, wind energy, hydrogen, energy efficiency, e-mobility, and sustainable urban development. A notable addition is the Hype area – Hydrogen Power Expo, which emphasizes hydrogen’s growing role in energy. Additionally, On.port will debut as an exhibition dedicated to port electrification, crucial for sustainability in maritime operations.

Key players in the Italian energy sector, including Hera, Enel, Terna, Edison, and others, will be prominently featured at the event.

Hera’s Commitment to Energy Transition

The Hera Group is accelerating its ecological transition with investments totaling €1.1 billion as part of its 2024-2028 Industrial Plan, which amounts to €5.1 billion overall. The objective is to reduce emissions, increase the share of renewable energy, and enhance efficiency for customers and communities. At Key 2025, Hera and its subsidiaries (Hera Comm, EstEnergy, Hera Servizi Energia, Hera Luce, F.lli Franchini, and Wölmann) will showcase solutions aimed at achieving a Zero Emissions Future. Topics covered will include energy efficiency, electric mobility, and Renewable Energy Communities.

From 2024 to 2028, Hera aims to provide 100% green energy to households (up from the current 77%) and increase the share of energy derived from renewable sources from 36% to 42%. The company plans to invest in 300 MW of photovoltaic energy and ramp up green hydrogen production to 770 tons per year, leveraging the Hydrogen Valleys of Modena and Trieste. Furthermore, 62% of lighting points will be converted to LED technology (up from 45%).

Hera is on track to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, having already reduced emissions by 13.8% since 2019, with a target of 37% reduction by 2030. Key initiatives include developing carbon capture and storage systems at waste-to-energy plants, exclusively using certified renewable energy for internal consumption, and electrifying operations with incentives for transitioning to low-emission energy sources. Investments in district heating, totaling €170 million, are expected to cut emissions by 19,000 tons of CO₂ annually. Additionally, Hera is enhancing its digital infrastructure, which will increase the electricity grid’s hosting capacity by 30%, thereby improving service flexibility and quality. The company is also exploring hydrogen and biomethane mixtures in the gas network to further lower emissions.

Enel’s Role at Key 2025

Enel will play a prominent role at Key 2025, presenting a comprehensive program of panels and discussions. Key topics will include the competitiveness of renewable energy and the significance of economically sustainable decarbonization. The event will also address the necessary policies to support Italy’s energy transition, focusing on resource management and incentives for clean energy. Demand flexibility will be another critical theme, vital for transmission and distribution network operators, alongside the expansion of the electric vehicle charging network to promote accessible sustainable mobility.

On the first day of Key, Enel will introduce its partnership with Fondazione Cer Italia, which aims to establish Renewable Energy Communities (CERs) with a simplified model involving citizens, businesses, and municipalities in the production and sharing of clean energy. Participants in these communities can access dedicated incentives, optimizing renewable energy use and generating economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Since its inception in 2023, Fondazione Cer Italia has united 43 Italian municipalities, many with populations under 5,000. Membership allows these municipalities to access a 40% non-repayable contribution from the Pnrr, facilitating the launch of energy projects. The collaboration with Enel enhances the range of services offered, including electricity and gas supply solutions and targeted support for the development of photovoltaic systems, particularly for public administrations and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Silvia Chiassai Martini, president of the Foundation, remarked, “This initiative promotes renewable energy production and sharing, providing immediate support to businesses and citizens amid rising energy costs. It combines innovation, savings, and social commitment, laying the groundwork for a more equitable energy future.”

Nicola Lanzetta, director of Enel Italy, added, “Renewable Energy Communities are essential as they enable the benefits of renewable energy production to be shared within local communities. Today’s agreement exemplifies Enel’s commitment to supporting strategic tools for the country’s energy future.”