The industry's key meeting place is back

After four long years, Elfack is back. And what a comeback it is! The electricity and energy industry is hotter than ever, exhibitors are investing at scale, and the conference programme is looking at crucial future issues. – It feels like a lot is at stake and that Elfack has the opportunity to bring the industry together to discuss electrification and societal transformation. Interest is very high, says Anna Jarnö, business manager for Elfack.

Elfack, Northern Europe’s dominant trade fair for the electricity and energy industry, last took place in 2019. It normally takes place every two years but had to be cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic. Now it’s back. 400 exhibitors from 23 countries will take over the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre from 9 to 12 May.

– The fair, which is fully booked, will reflect the intensive technology and product development that has taken place over the past four years. We realise that expectations are high and have received an unusually large number of pre-registrations. We hope to welcome around 20,000 visitors, Anna says.

More product groups, with a clear focus

The rapid transition towards increased electrification and smart technology in virtually all sectors of society is very much a feature of Elfack 2023.

– This year’s theme is about a digitalised, electrified and sustainable society and the efforts required to achieve this. And of course, we want Elfack to contribute in a positive and constructive way, Anna explains.

The event covers ten product areas: electrical installation, transmission/distribution/smart grids, lighting technology, consulting/technology/design, energy and building automation, security solutions, solar energy & solar panels, e-mobility & charging infrastructure, energy storage & batteries, and hydrogen & fuel cells.

Swedish Energy Agency leads society’s transition to a sustainable energy system

Anna Jarnö notes that a lot has happened in the industry since the last fair.

– We there felt there was a need to clarify the scope and make it easier to find the right thing, both for suppliers and visitors. For example, we have added certain product areas, such as solar energy and energy storage, where there is both high interest and a high rate of development.

Lighting technology and property automation are other highly interesting areas.

– These include the phasing out of fluorescent lamps, an important issue for both the private and public sectors. Players in the lighting industry and the Swedish Energy Agency are addressing the subject both at the fair and in the conference.

The Swedish Energy Agency participates at Elfack, with a concept area of 150 square metres, where one of the aims is to spread knowledge about how smart control can contribute to more flexible energy use.

From strategies to practical tips

The strategy conference Power Electrification Summit will be held on 9 May, the first day of Elfack. Its theme for this year is “Entrepreneurship driving the energy transition”. A number of prominent speakers and entrepreneurs will participate.

There will be more practical tips at the Electrical Engineering Day on 10 May, when Installatörsföretagen (the association representing electrical and other installers in Sweden) will present the new industry standard for the solar cell market, a new industry authorisation for property networks, a new rules manual, and more.

Elektrikerpodden (the electricians’ podcast) is another new feature aimed directly at professionals. The speakers will be recording new episodes in front of a live audience in an open studio on the exhibition floor. This will include some short courses led by experts.

Stage programme with success stories

The open stage programme, which this year is located on the second floor, includes hundreds of events on highly topical subjects, ranging from energy monitoring systems to skills development and new regulations.

Anna Jarnö emphasises that updates on new regulations, for example, is an important reason for you to visit both the fair and the seminars:

– The organisations and authorities we work with give clear signals that important information must reach everyone involved in their professional role. The programme on the Main Stage addresses, among other things, deficiencies in electrical installations and what is required of the installers of the future. It also highlights real case studies where safe, smart and sustainable solutions have been successfully installed.

Daily breakfast seminars with KNX Sweden on property automation, security and IoT are further examples of this. Other forward-looking seminars will take place on the Switch stage, linked to innovations and future prospects.

– Our goal is for Elfack to combine new technology, what may not even be on the market yet, with more established technology. It’s important that we include both, as technological development is so rapid in the industry, Anna explains.

Student activity

The serious skills challenges in the industry is also a recurring theme throughout the week of the fair. On the final day, 12 May, Elfack will host a student activity, inviting high school and university students.

– We have created a programme together with our partners, in which we give young adults an introduction to the industry. We want to create an appreciation that they are important and wanted, and we want to show the almost endless possibilities that exist in the electricity and energy sector. We are putting a lot of effort into this and hope for a large turnout! Anna concludes.

All the information about the programme, exhibitors and activities is available at www.en.elfack.com. Elfack takes place at the Swedish Exhibition Centre in Gothenburg, 9-12 May, and is open to trade visitors above the age of 16 years.

Free ticket