GeoTHERM confirms its leading international role – visitor numbers on the rise
Offenburg, 5 March 2026
• 8,688 trade visitors
• International participation and longer visit duration
• Optimism in the industry
• Important award ceremony
GeoTHERM expo & congress 2026 has once again impressively confirmed its position as Europe's leading trade fair and congress for geothermal energy. With 8,688 trade visitors, the event recorded slight growth compared to the previous year. Particularly noticeable was the increased demand for two-day tickets – a clear indication of the high technical depth of the offering as well as the size and breadth of content of the exhibition and the two-day congress programme.
International participation underscores market momentum
The positive trend in visitor numbers reflects the ongoing optimism within the industry. Geothermal energy is clearly on a growth trajectory across Europe and is continuing to gain strategic importance as a key pillar of the heat transition.
With 302 exhibitors from numerous countries and a high proportion of international trade visitors, GeoTHERM 2026 underlined its global relevance. The strong international participation once again confirmed Offenburg as a central industry meeting place for decision-makers, project developers, energy suppliers, local authorities, industry and research institutions.
‘Visitors and exhibitors from numerous nations confirm GeoTHERM's role as the world's leading trade fair for geothermal energy. This year's guest country, Iceland – one of the international pioneers in the use of geothermal energy – impressively demonstrated the potential that modern, sustainable technologies offer for a future-oriented energy supply,’ said Frank Thieme, Managing Director of Messe Offenburg-Ortenau GmbH.
High-calibre congress with strong demand
Parallel to the trade fair, two congresses with high-calibre lecture programmes took place. Renowned experts from business, science and politics presented current market developments, technological innovations and regulatory frameworks. The lecture rooms, which were very well attended on both days, highlighted the industry's high demand for information and the depth and breadth of the programme's content.
Focus on innovative strength: Ruggero Bertani Award 2026
A key highlight was the presentation of the Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award 2026 by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC). Herrenknecht AG received the award for its ‘Urban Vibro Truck’. This seismic exploration vehicle, specially developed for urban areas, enables night-time measurements with minimal disturbance to residents thanks to significantly reduced noise emissions. In addition, the vehicle has EU road approval as a tractor unit, which simplifies approval processes and can speed up project implementation. The award is exemplary of the high level of innovation in the industry and the increasing importance of technological solutions for the urban heat transition.
Networking as a key success factor
In addition to technical expertise and innovation presentations, personal exchanges played a central role. Numerous discussions at the exhibition stands, during the congress breaks and at accompanying networking events underlined the importance of personal encounters for initiating projects and strategic partnerships.
Project manager Gabriele Weislogel emphasises: ‘GeoTHERM is much more than a trade fair – it is a central platform for networking, knowledge transfer and concrete project development. Direct exchange is indispensable, especially in a dynamically growing industry of the future.’
Exhibitors also highlighted the high quality of the professional contacts. International decision-makers, drilling companies, energy suppliers, local authorities and long-standing industry partners made intensive use of the event to initiate new projects and deepen existing business relationships.
Geothermal energy as a key technology for the heating transition
GeoTHERM 2026 has impressively demonstrated that geothermal energy is a central component of the European heating transition and is also gaining in importance internationally. The combination of rising visitor numbers, a high degree of internationality, outstanding innovation and a strong congress programme confirms the sustainable development of the industry and the importance of the event.
The next GeoTHERM expo & congress will take place on 25 and 26 February 2027 in Offenburg.
Venue and organiser:
Messe Offenburg-Ortenau GmbH
Schutterwälder Straße 3
77656 Offenburg
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Pressekontakt
Silke Wälde +49 (0)781 9226-239 presse [at] messe-offenburg.de (presse[at]messe-offenburg[dot]de)