The Energy Transition Award for Energy Suppliers in Europe is expanding its recognition of the driving forces behind the energy transition in 2026. After successfully including Denmark, France, and Italy, the award will now also cover the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The initiative celebrates energy suppliers driving innovation and renewable adoption in diverse national markets, highlighting the key players shaping Europe’s energy transition.
Bonn, May 21, 2026: Current geopolitical developments strongly demonstrate both the interconnectedness of the global energy market and the urgent need for a successful energy transition. A successful energy transition depends on rapid deployment of renewable technologies, robust grid infrastructure, supportive policies, investment in storage and innovation, and broad public and political commitment. EUPD Research and The smarter E Europe, the initiators of the Energy Transition Award, contribute to this by creating a platform for cross-border collaboration and benchmarking in accelerating Europe’s energy transition, including four additional countries for the first time in 2026: the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. These new markets complement the established participation of Denmark, France, Italy, and the DACH region, whose qualified energy suppliers will once again be invited to the Energy Transition Award ceremony taking place at The smarter E Europe in Munich on June 25, 2026.
Each participating country presents a unique market environment, regulatory framework, and pace of renewable energy adoption. It is essential to identify and honour the key drivers that are actively shaping and advancing the energy transition within these diverse contexts. The Energy Transition Award aims to spotlight those energy suppliers that demonstrate outstanding commitment, innovation, and impact in transforming energy systems.
Country Market Highlights
In Denmark, the energy market is distinguished by world‑leading renewable electricity generation, with renewables accounting for the highest share of net electricity in the EU — reaching 92.4% in 2025[1]. This achievement primarily stems from strong winds and a long‑standing national commitment to clean power, positioning the country as a leader in wind energy deployment and a central force in the region’s transition to low‑carbon electricity.
France features a traditionally nuclear-dominated energy mix, now undergoing a gradual diversification toward renewables[2]. The market is defined by strong state involvement and increasing momentum in solar and wind deployment.
In Italy, renewables are playing an increasingly important role in the energy mix, with renewable sources accounting for around 41 % of electricity consumption in 2025, driven by strong growth in solar generation and continued expansion of wind and hydro capacity[3]. At the same time, Italy continues to balance a significant reliance on natural gas while accelerating renewable deployment as part of its broader transition strategy.
The Netherlands is undergoing a rapid transformation from a gas-centered system toward renewables, particularly offshore wind. The country is notable for its strong policy push on electrification, hydrogen, and integrated energy infrastructure[4].
In Norway, hydropower remains the backbone of the electricity system, supplying about 90 % of total power generation and providing one of the cleanest and most flexible energy mixes in Europe[5]. This abundant renewable base enables Norwegian utilities to support electrification of transport and industry, while expanding wind power and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen as part of the country’s broader energy transition.
Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing renewable markets, supported by excellent solar and wind conditions and competitive auction systems[6]. Utilities are scaling large renewable projects while expanding storage and flexibility solutions.
In the United Kingdom, renewables enjoyed a record year in 2025, with wind and solar delivering a growing share of electricity even as gas generation also increased due to maintenance outages at nuclear and other plants[7]. The UK remains a global leader in offshore wind deployment and continues to invest in clean power solutions that support grid resilience and decarbonization.
EUPD Research leads the selection process through comprehensive desk research across all seven target markets. Building on insights gathered during the 2025/26 analysis, a refined set of quality criteria has been established to ensure a robust and transparent evaluation framework.
Energy providers are evaluated based on the share of renewables and the breadth of their portfolios across electricity, heating, e-mobility, and energy efficiency. This approach identifies the key drivers that are most actively advancing the energy transition in each market, highlighting energy suppliers that combine strong renewable integration with comprehensive, innovative energy solutions.
“The continued internationalisation of the Energy Transition Award highlights its growing role as a European platform for exchange and recognition within the energy sector”, commented Markus A.W. Hoehner, Founder and CEO of the EUPD Group. “By spotlighting companies demonstrating strong engagement in renewable adoption and portfolio diversification, the initiative fosters knowledge exchange and contributes to the broader transition toward a more sustainable energy system.”
Energy Transition Award for Energy Suppliers
On June 25, 2026, the 10th Energy Transition Award ceremony takes place at The smarter E Forum, Hall C5, Booth C5.550 at The smarter E Europe in Munich, Europe’s largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry. It aims to recognise energy providers that go beyond compliance by offering forward‑looking services that empower consumers and support the broader energy transition. In addition to a detailed analysis of multiple criteria across relevant future domains in the DACH region, the award highlights utilities from Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom, reflecting a broader commitment to cross-European innovation and sustainability.
Further information on the Energy Transition Award (Energiewende Award) can be found at https://www.energiewende-award.de/en/home/. If you have any questions, please contact Saif Islam (+49 (0) 228 504 36-20, islam[at]energiewende-award.de),Giulia Lohmar (+49 (0) 228 50435-34, g.lohmar[at]eupd-research.com) or Kim Wiersberg (+49 (0) 228 50435-55, k.wiersberg[at]eupd-research.com).
Further information on The smarter E Europe can be found at http://www.thesmartere.de
Press Contacts:
Julia Lünnemann
International Communication and Event Manager
EUPD Group
j.luennemann[at]eupd-research.com
Katja Werner
Corporate Communications Manager
EUPD Group
k.werner[at]eupd-research.com
About the EUPD Group
The EUPD Group is an internationally active market research and certification company specialising in the area of sustainability. Since its foundation in 2000, the company has provided primary data-driven analysis, certification and publication services to support companies in developing and implementing successful business strategies. The company’s areas of focus include ESG, renewable energy and corporate health as well as social sustainability. The EUPD Group aims to enhance market transparency, provide clear orientation and support companies in maintaining and strengthening their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global environment.
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https://www.iea.org/countries/france/electricity
https://www.iea.org/countries/the-netherlands/energy-mix
https://energifaktanorge.no/en/norsk-energiforsyning/kraftproduksjon/
https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/european-electricity-review-2024/insights/