At the premises of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) experts and professionals from EU, USA and Russia discussed how the energy markets will be profoundly transformed in years to come.
The speakers stated that new business models, digitalization, and expanded renewable capacity will continue to be the main disrupting forces. At the same time, carbon neutrality commitments and pressure from shareholders have changed the equation for big energy companies and utilities, many of which risk being left with a portfolio of stranded assets by mid-century. Yet is this flurry of climate pledges by governments and companies too ambitious – or to the contrary, not sufficient at all to avert climate disaster? Who is the main driver of the transformation – governments or the private sector? What are the right tools and policies, so that the climate goals can be met? What opportunities and challenges does the energy transition create for industry and society? Those are the questions discussed at the conference.
