ISTANBUL 

The load engineering services sector will be discussed in terms of sustainability, digitalization and energy transition at LES-EXPO 2026, the Europe-Asia-Africa Load Engineering Services Exhibition, to be held in Istanbul on April 7-9, 2026.

The event is expected to bring together more than 200 companies from three continents and over 10,000 industry professionals, generating an estimated economic impact of €10 million ($11.6 million), a Load Engineering Association (YMB) statement said on Thursday.

The expo will be the world’s first specialized exhibition dedicated exclusively to load engineering services.

“Energy transition is not limited to how energy is produced,” Ahmet Altunkum, president of the Load Engineering Association, was quoted as saying in the statement.

Interpreting the energy transition solely through production technologies would be insufficient, he said, emphasizing that load engineering plays a critical role in sustainability from a broader perspective.

“From wind turbines and solar power plants to hydrogen facilities and energy storage systems, the safe and efficient transportation, lifting and installation of large-scale and sensitive equipment is essential. Load engineering is one of the key but often overlooked pillars of sustainable transformation,” he added.

Altunkum noted that digitalization has become an increasingly decisive factor in the sector, with advanced engineering software, simulation technologies and data-driven planning processes significantly improving operational safety while also reducing environmental impact.

“A properly planned load engineering operation prevents unnecessary transport cycles, lowers fuel consumption and ensures projects are completed on time. This creates tangible benefits both economically and environmentally,” he said.

He added that LES-EXPO 2026 would serve as a strategic platform for knowledge sharing and cross-regional cooperation by bringing together industry stakeholders from Europe, Asia and Africa in Istanbul. The exhibition, Altunkum said, will also reinforce Türkiye’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for load engineering services.

“LES-EXPO 2026 will be an important milestone in demonstrating the sector’s current capabilities and its long-term vision,” he said.

“It will not only showcase technical expertise, but also highlight the strategic role of load engineering in global sustainability and energy transition agendas.”