Opening Note

The geopolitical situation, the decline in confidence and the challenges in the area of renewable energies and storage technologies have become even more pressing in the past year. Added to this is the unsatisfactory bureaucracy and long processing times for approval processes. We urgently need a realignment of our global energy transformation process with stronger bridges between Europe, Asia and the USA. Leading platforms are available for ongoing communication with all stakeholders, such as ‘The smarter Europe' fair and conference. These platforms can make a significant contribution to trust building, the joint development of internationally applicable quality and sustainability criteria as well as the better coordination of production hubs. ‘The Smarter Europe' is an excellent opportunity to provide the necessary impulses and strengthen transatlantic bridges in the interests of a common, sustainable climate policy. Together with its partner EUPD, VDE Group has invited international experts from industry, the financial and insurance sectors and the policymakers to a high-profile panel discussion. We are particularly pleased to be able to welcome personalities from the USA, China and Europe to this discussion and thus contribute to a forward-looking international dialogue. The panel will address topics that were recently discussed at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos. During the discussions in Davos, a joint manifesto on the global transformation process in the energy sector was prepared, which will be discussed further at this panel in Munich. In particular, the urgent need to improve market confidence, ensure quality, bankability, insurability and appropriate sustainability criteria will be highlighted in the panel discussion.Moderators: Burkhard Holder, Director Trends & Innovation, VDEDaniel Fuchs, Chief Customer Officer, EUPD ResearchPanellists:Sam Baldwin, Former Senior Expert Whitehouse Administration/CSO of the Department of Energy (DOE), USAArmida Hemeling, CEO, Goduni International GmbHSvenja Reimer, Head Sustainability & Economy Commission, Senate of Economy, GermanyTill Kellerhoff, Programme Director, Club of RomeAndreas Dill, Head of Green Tech Solutions, Munich REMaja Pfister, Head Politics Head Politics, General Association of InsurersVirtual: Tingyan Lyu, Vice President, 3 Gorges Corporation

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly as demand for electricity increases and distributed generation becomes more widespread. In their efforts to modernize and expand an already aging power grid, utilities and grid operators face significant obstacles and challenges in maintaining system stability and resilience. In addition, shortages of skilled labor and materials are slowing infrastructure development. Addressing these issues requires technological innovation, policy reforms, and collaboration across the energy industry. The session will explore how to create a power system that is not only reliable and secure but also flexible enough to adapt the changing energy landscape.

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly as demand for electricity increases and distributed generation becomes more widespread. In their efforts to modernize and expand an already aging power grid, utilities and grid operators face significant obstacles and challenges in maintaining system stability and resilience. In addition, shortages of skilled labor and materials are slowing infrastructure development. Addressing these issues requires technological innovation, policy reforms, and collaboration across the energy industry. The session will explore how to create a power system that is not only reliable and secure but also flexible enough to adapt the changing energy landscape.

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly as demand for electricity increases and distributed generation becomes more widespread. In their efforts to modernize and expand an already aging power grid, utilities and grid operators face significant obstacles and challenges in maintaining system stability and resilience. In addition, shortages of skilled labor and materials are slowing infrastructure development. Addressing these issues requires technological innovation, policy reforms, and collaboration across the energy industry. The session will explore how to create a power system that is not only reliable and secure but also flexible enough to adapt the changing energy landscape.

The global energy landscape is changing rapidly as demand for electricity increases and distributed generation becomes more widespread. In their efforts to modernize and expand an already aging power grid, utilities and grid operators face significant obstacles and challenges in maintaining system stability and resilience. In addition, shortages of skilled labor and materials are slowing infrastructure development. Addressing these issues requires technological innovation, policy reforms, and collaboration across the energy industry. The session will explore how to create a power system that is not only reliable and secure but also flexible enough to adapt the changing energy landscape.