REI Expo has evolved into a true reflection of India’s clean energy success story -Julian Thomas, Portfolio Director – Energy & Battery Sector, Informa Markets India Pvt Ltd

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STORY SYNOPSIS
As REI Expo prepares for its 19th edition, Julian Thomas, Portfolio Director – Energy & Battery Sector at Informa Markets India, shares how the event has evolved into Asia’s largest renewable energy exhibition and a key catalyst for India’s clean energy transition. In this exclusive interview with Smart Energy Magazine, he discusses the growing importance of energy storage, global collaborations, the strategic partnership with SNEC China, opportunities for exhibitors and investors, and how REI 2026 aims to accelerate business, innovation, and renewable energy adoption across the entire value chain.

The Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo has established itself as Asia’s premier renewable energy exhibition, with its 19th edition scheduled for October 22-24, 2026, at India Expo Mart Limited (IEML), Greater Noida.

REI Expo was founded with a clear vision to support India’s renewable energy ecosystem and national energy objectives. As India’s renewable energy sector has experienced exponential growth, the expo has evolved into a true reflection of the nation’s clean energy success story. This alignment with national priorities has made REI Expo an essential platform for stakeholders across the energy value chain.

As part of Informa Markets’ global portfolio, REI Expo leverages international expertise in exhibition organization while maintaining deep local market understanding. This combination enables the event to support bilateral trade growth and connect India’s renewable energy sector with global markets and technologies.

The expo’s continued expansion in size, exhibitor participation, and visitor engagement directly mirrors the sector’s remarkable growth trajectory, making REI Expo an indispensable annual gathering for Asia’s renewable energy community.

REI Expo has been instrumental in advancing India’s Make in India campaign by:

  • Facilitating partnerships between international and Indian firms
  • Encouraging foreign companies to establish manufacturing facilities in India
  • Supporting local employment and industrial growth
  • Creating opportunities for technology transfer and collaboration

Recognizing the critical importance of energy storage, REI Expo is co-located with The Battery Show India (4th edition), part of the globally renowned Battery Show series with editions in North America and Stuttgart. This strategic co-location:

  • Covers the complete energy value chain from generation to storage
  • Attracts hundreds of international suppliers from China, Korea, Japan, and a substantial German Pavilion
  • Strengthens India’s battery manufacturing and storage ecosystem
  • Provides comprehensive solutions for the evolving energy landscape

India’s renewable energy targets are ambitious, and government policies are increasingly supportive. Yet many stakeholders struggle to navigate the complex landscape of subsidies, compliance requirements, state-level incentives, and evolving regulations. REI 2026 addresses this critical gap by creating direct interfaces between policymakers and implementers. State level association don’t just visit the expo—they provide concrete information on land availability, grid connectivity timelines, and incentive structures that project developers need to make investment decisions.

In a development that signals the maturation of Asia’s renewable energy ecosystem, REI Expo has forged a strategic partnership with SNEC China, creating an unprecedented alliance between the two largest renewable energy exhibitions in Asia. Both events command respect globally for attracting the best exhibitors and most serious buyers in the solar and storage sectors. This collaboration represents more than a business arrangement—it’s a recognition that the world’s renewable energy future will be shaped in Asia, and that India and world, must work together to accelerate the global energy transition.

India’s renewable energy sector is witnessing unprecedented global convergence as REI Expo & The Battery Show India emerges as the epicenter of international collaboration and business opportunities.

A strong European delegation demonstrates the continent’s commitment to partnering with India’s energy revolution, while Germany’s dedicated pavilion underscores the nation’s strategic interest in Indo-German renewable energy cooperation. Australia’s Maidan Pavilion further reinforces bilateral ties, highlighting shared sustainability goals and technological expertise.

The REI Expo host the largest Bio Energy Pavilion ever assembled, positioning bioenergy as a critical pillar of India’s diversified renewable portfolio. This comprehensive showcase explores cutting-edge biomass technologies, waste-to-energy solutions, and sustainable fuel innovations that align perfectly with India’s agricultural economy and circular economy aspirations.

Over the next five years, India is expected to accelerate toward its ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar and wind will continue dominating installations, but the real gamechanger will be energy storage solutions. Battery technology adoption will surge as India addresses grid stability and intermittency challenges, making events like The Battery Show India increasingly critical for knowledge transfer and technology partnerships.

Decentralized renewable energy systems will proliferate, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Bioenergy will gain prominence as India leverages its agricultural waste potential, while offshore wind projects will commence, opening new frontiers. Electric vehicle integration with renewable grids will create synergies between mobility and energy sectors.

As India marches toward its ambitious renewable targets, REI Expo will be remembered by the nation and industry as the stepping stone that made energy independence achievable. It is where India’s golden energy story is not just told—it is written, deal by deal, partnership by partnership, innovation by innovation.

India’s renewable energy and energy storage industries are set to witness one of the most significant gatherings of the year as REI Expo and The Battery Show India join forces to create an unprecedented platform for innovation, collaboration, and business growth. Spanning an impressive 18 halls and featuring over 1,200 brands from India and overseas, this dual exhibition promises to be a game-changer for stakeholders across the entire energy value chain.

The combined exhibition represents a holistic approach to India’s energy transition, bringing together the complete ecosystem of renewable energy and storage solutions under one roof. Visitors can expect an extensive display covering every aspect of the industry, from upstream manufacturing to downstream applications.

Technology providers will demonstrate innovative solutions that are pushing the boundaries of efficiency and performance. From advanced monitoring systems to AI-powered grid management tools, these technologies are revolutionizing how we generate, store, and distribute clean energy.

Module and inverter suppliers form a critical component of the exhibition, presenting the latest advancements in solar photovoltaic modules and power conversion equipment. With India’s solar capacity expanding rapidly, these products are essential for converting sunlight into usable electricity efficiently and reliably.

The Battery Show India component brings particular focus to energy storage solutions, which are increasingly recognized as the missing link in renewable energy deployment. Visitors will encounter a comprehensive range of battery technologies, including:

  • Lithium-ion battery systems for various applications
  • Advanced battery management systems
  • Next-generation solid-state battery innovations
  • Flow battery technologies for large-scale storage
  • Battery recycling and second-life solutions

Energy storage solutions on display will address multiple market segments, from residential and commercial applications to utility-scale projects. As India grapples with grid stability challenges and seeks to maximize renewable energy utilization, these storage technologies offer critical solutions for balancing supply and demand.

Every edition of REI (Renewable Energy India Expo) has consistently raised the bar for excellence, innovation, and industry engagement. As we approach 2026, the stage is set for an unprecedented gathering that promises to exceed all expectations and redefine what’s possible in the energy and storage sector.

  • The Biggest Exhibition in Energy & Storage Space
  • Multiple Country Pavilions: A Global Energy Marketplace
  • Dedicated Investment Forum at REI 2026
  • CEO & CTO Roundtables: Strategic Insights from the Top
  • Solar Installer Premier League: Celebrating Excellence in Execution
  • Conference with 500+ Global Speakers: A Knowledge Powerhouse
  • 60,000+ Visitors Expected: The Industry Converges

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of India’s renewable energy and storage revolution. Book your visit immediately to secure your place at this celebration of clean energy innovation and position your business at the forefront of India’s energy transition.

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