IFEMA MADRID unites the energy transition value chain with over 102,000 visitors

IFEMA MADRID concludes the International Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Exhibition, C&R, and the International Week of Electrification and Decarbonisation, with GENERA + MATELEC, which were held jointly for the first time. Combined, these three trade fairs attracted more than 102,000 professional visitors and nearly 1,200 companies, consolidating this event as a European benchmark in energy transition, industrial innovation and sustainability.

A unique ecosystem driving the energy transition

Through this format, IFEMA MADRID reaffirms its commitment to establishing Spain as one of the most dynamic European hubs for electrification, decarbonisation and the transformation of the building stock. Held from 18 to 20 November, the simultaneous staging of the three fairs generated an ecosystem that covers the entire energy value chain together with air conditioning, refrigeration, efficiency, digitalisation and installations. This fostered synergies between manufacturers, installers, distributors, engineering firms, architects, specifiers and administrations, creating a unique meeting place for business and technology transfer.

C&R 2025 concluded a particularly robust edition, marked by an increase in high-efficiency solutions, the consolidation of the heat pump as a dominant technology and the growing integration of digitalisation. In its 27th edition, it brought together 45,000 professionals from 88 countries and the latest solutions from more than 400 companies. It presented the latest innovations and trends shaping the future of the sector, from indoor air quality and intelligent maintenance to solutions aimed at decarbonising the building stock. C&R thus reinforces its role as an international benchmark event in air conditioning and refrigeration at a time of profound regulatory and technological transformation.

Concurrently, the International Week of Electrification and Decarbonisation brought together more than 800 exhibitors and 57,000 professional visitors, with 10% international participation from 76 countries. Attendance was led by Europe (61%, with strong representation from Portugal, Italy, Germany and France), America (18%) and Africa (6%, especially from the Maghreb), consolidating these fairs as key pillars for strengthening the energy cycle. Within this framework, GENERA, organised with the support of the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, reaffirmed its leadership in renewables, energy transition and storage solutions. The event highlighted the progress of digitalisation and system hybridisation, underlining the importance of accelerating energy rehabilitation. Finally, MATELEC established itself as a key event for the entire electrification, automation, materials and efficiency sector in buildings and industrial environments. Its offering focused on digitalisation and energy management, reinforcing its value as a platform for promoting a more efficient and connected electricity model. The headline sponsor for this project was Simon, which presented CLUB by Simon, a space designed for the professional installer.

Technical conferences: A comprehensive outlook on the future of energy and the building stock

The technical conferences at C&R, MATELEC and GENERA offered a comprehensive view of the energy future, addressing air conditioning, air quality, electrification, automation and renewable energies. They discussed how AI, digitalisation and new regulations are transforming building operations and technical installations, as well as the challenges to decarbonise the building stock. Discussions highlighted that the energy transition requires an integrated approach, combining renewables, efficiency, smart systems and retrofitting to improve building performance, health and resilience.

At C&R, the conference highlighted the growing relevance of indoor air quality, the integration of ventilation, filtration and monitoring, and the role of AI in optimising maintenance and adapting HVAC to changing climate scenarios. It was also underlined that mature technologies, such as heat pumps, comprehensive retrofitting or hybrid systems, allow progress in the decarbonisation of the building stock, if there is a stable regulatory framework. It was completed with practical sessions in the Air Conditioning Workshop, organised by Agremia; the Refrigeration Workshop, by AEFYT; the Data Centre Agora, the Regulation and Control Agora and the New Talents initiative.

Regarding the International Week of Electrification and Decarbonisation, a specialised agenda was developed that focused on the key strategic contents for green reindustrialisation and the transformation of the productive fabric, in addition to demand flexibility and electrification. This programme was structured around the Global Forum, which reinforced the common vision of this project with institutional and sectoral debates promoted by entities such as IDAE. Through the Secretary of State for Energy, they inaugurated the three fairs and participated in a conference to promote the renewable value chain made in Spain. The event was also attended by AFME, APPA, CIDE, AEPIBAL, ENTRA, APLIQA, SOLARTYS and AEDIVE, and culminated with the presentation of the OREVE 2025 Report by AFME on the refurbishment and electrification of the housing stock, an observatory that includes the main sectoral associations.

In addition, the programme of activities included outstanding spaces such as the Genera Solar Forum (UNEF), where self-consumption, storage and photovoltaic innovation were addressed; the Installer's World (FENIE), which stood out for its training workshops and the 18th Young Installers Competition; the CAE (Energy Savings Certificates) Forum (ANESE and A3E) where energy efficiency and savings certification were analysed; the KNX Forum, where the best experiences in automation and home automation were presented; and the Forums at the North Convention Centre, organised by various associations such as COGEN, AEH2, AEEólica and ASIT, among others. These provided a complete overview of all the areas that drive electrification, digitalisation and efficiency.

The content of the programme focused on reindustrialisation and green electrification, renewables, self-consumption, storage and energy communities, as well as electrical installation, materials, CAEs and automation, highlighting the role of infrastructures in decarbonisation.

Recognition of excellence

In addition, IFEMA MADRID was the setting for the recognition of excellence, from emerging talent to industry veterans.

The Climatización y Refrigeración Prize, which is awarded every two years by the C&R Organising Committee in recognition of professionals with a lifetime of special dedication to the development, progress and improvement of the sector, honoured the work of Luis Mena, general manager of Daikin Spain.

Carlos Larraz won the title of Best New Installer 2025 in the final of the 18th National Competition for Young Installers organised by FENIE (Spanish National Federation of Electrical, Telecommunications and Air Conditioning Installers) at MATELEC.

The simultaneous holding of C&R, GENERA and MATELEC successfully convened energy production, intelligent management, efficiency, air conditioning, building digitalisation and installations in a single space. This vision makes it easier for industry to approach the energy transition as a systemic rather than a segmented process, with each link directly influencing sustainability and competitiveness goals.