When Tony Robinson, Founder and CEO of Next Events & Conferences, based in the UK, first started researching the viability of an exhibition dedicated solely to electricity infrastructure and power transmission and distribution technologies, it became clear very quickly that, whilst there were (and indeed continue to be) a large number of generic ‘energy’ events already in existence, very few, if any of them, were 100% focused on products and services specifically for TSOs, DSOs and utility companies.
And so, Power Transmission & Distribution Technology Expo was born.
Just over eighteen months later, in September 2025, the launch edition of the event, in Cologne, Germany, saw 110 leading international exhibitors, including Nexans, Siemens Energy and GE Vernova, showcasing their next-generation technologies to over 1,200 attendees from 62 countries.
Key products and services on display, many being presented for the first time, included transformer, substation and smart grid technologies, cables, drones and switchgear components.
In addition to the exhibition, over 80 expert speakers from across the industry delivered free-to-attend specialist presentations from three Open Technology Stages located directly within the exhibition hall.
Visitors to the three-day event included key specifiers and decision-makers from over half of the major European TSOs (including Amprion, Austrian Power Grid, Elia and Litgrid), as well as many from further afield, including a large delegation from the Saudi Electricity Company.
Testimonials from visitors and exhibitors at the launch edition included:
“The Expo was a resounding success. Building a sustainable, value-driven community within the transmission and distribution branch is not just worthwhile – it’s essential.” – Christos Fotiadis, Lead Project Management, TenneT Germany
“This event sets a strong benchmark for industry conferences, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s edition!” – Darri Snaer Finnbogason, Specialist, Landsnet
“The Power Transmission & Distribution Technology Expo proved that resilience is not a dream, it’s already within reach.” – Moussa Kafal, Grid Reliability Global Product Manager, PWR Grid, Nexans
Today, almost twelve months on and still three months out from the show itself, Power Transmission & Distribution Technology Expo 2026, once again taking place in Cologne, from 17-19 November, is on course to be twice as big as the 2025 event, with over 180 exhibitors already confirmed and a significant increase in early visitor registrations from key personnel from TSOs, DSOs and utility companies from across Europe and beyond.
Exhibitors are all blue-chip international suppliers, including many from India, Turkey, China, Austria, UK and, of course, Germany, and, once again, a number of exhibiting companies have already stepped forward to showcase new technologies not yet presented to the power transmission sector, including innovations in drones, thermal imaging and surveillance systems.
Around 2,500 visitors from more than 100 countries are expected, and over 150 expert speakers have already been confirmed, all directly involved in the design, development and construction of efficient, safe and resilient power grids.
In addition to technologies relating to all aspects of electricity transmission and distribution, from transformers, substations and switchgear to remote fault detection, grid monitoring and demand forecasting, this year’s event will also include two specialist Feature Zones, focusing on Grid Resilience (sponsored by Nexans) and Health & Safety.
Following its popularity and success last year, the 2026 event will once again include an exclusive Networking Party at the end of the second day, this year incorporating a special Innovation Awards presentation, recognising outstanding innovation in key areas of the power transmission and distribution industry.
Join Power Transmission & Distribution Technology Expo 2026 in Cologne from 17-19 November, to see what’s next for the power transmission and distribution technology sector.
Entrance is to qualified personnel only and is free of charge. No general public are permitted.
For further information (including the very latest Show Preview, exhibitor list and show layout together with the 2025 photo gallery) and to register for your free three-day Expo pass or secure one of the last few exhibition spaces, visit www.powertranstech.com.
We look forward to welcoming you in Cologne in November!
This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of the Innovations In Insulation Systems magazine.
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