Integration integral to the future of European power generation
Twentieth POWER-GEN Europe opens with keynote speeches from leading power industry experts
Koelnmesse, Cologne, 12th June, 2012 – The POWER-GEN Europe Conference and Exhibition and its co-located shows Nuclear Power Europe and Renewable Energy World Europe opened in spectacular fashion today in Koelnmesse, at the heart of both Cologne and Europe’s largest business region. The keynote sessions saw three influential players in the power industry sharing their views on the future of European energy and were delivered to a packed conference hall.
Conference Director, Nigel Blackaby, used his keynote both to welcome visitors and highlight how much the industry has evolved since the inaugural POWER-GEN Europe was held in Paris in 1993. Back then, he said, there were only 100 exhibitors; today, the Koelnmesse hosts over 600.
Laszlo Varro, head of the IEA’s Gas, Coal and Power Division, focused his presentation on the challenges of the electricity industry from a European perspective. He predicts significant growth for the renewable sector over the next 20 years but also warns that the industry will need to work hard to address issues such as growing demand, storage and supply.
Varro was followed by Bernhard Fischer, CEO of E.ON Generation GmbH, who talked more specifically about the energy industry in Germany and the impact of the ‘energiewiende’ (‘energy shift’ to more renewable energy sources) post-Fukishima. The industry is evolving rapidly he told the audience, with flexibility being key to future success. He also argued that although Energiewiende is not technically impossible, it must be approached in the right way to be successful – calling for coordination, time, money and acceptance.
Finally, Michael Süβ, CEO of Siemens Energy Sector, Germany, shared his views on the future of the energy industry and how it should address some of the current challenges it faces. He warned that Europe represents only 7 per cent of the world population, so it cannot operate in isolation if it is to remain competitive with the rest of the world. He also argued that energy demand and the portfolio of each country is very different, therefore one delivery model will not fit all.
Many of the issues raised by the opening keynotes speech will be discussed in more detail at the planetary debate, which will be held on Wednesday 13thJune at 2pm in the Congress Centre.
Amy Redhead
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7242 8867
Email: pennwell@aspectuspr.com
Web: http://www.aspectuspr.com
About POWER-GEN events
POWER-GEN Europe, Renewable Energy World Europe, and Nuclear Power Europe are owned and organised by PennWell Corporation. These events form part of a series staged annually in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and provide exhibitors with an international ‘one-stop shop’ for penetrating markets and presenting their products and services to a global audience. For delegates and visitors, the events offer a dedicated forum tailored to their specific regional needs, putting them in touch with suppliers of solutions to their particular problems. The conferences address topical issues critical to the development of power generation in the host region. www.powergeneurope.com
POWER-GEN Europe
POWER-GEN Europe is the Continent’s premier conference and exhibition, and the place where the power industry comes to meet, share information and do business. A three-day event, it comprises a busy exhibition floor populated by major power industry players. Alongside the exhibition, a high-level multiple track conference offers insightful and thought-provoking presentations detailing the latest strategies and technology developments and delivered by leading experts in the power industry.
Renewable Energy World Europe
Renewable Energy World Europe encompasses the need for greater inclusion of renewable sources into the energy mix as governments strive to ensure the supply of power and electricity sufficiently meets the ever increasing demand.
Nuclear Power Europe
Nuclear Power Europe discusses the key issues facing the maintenance and development of nuclear plants in Europe as well as addressing the strategic and technical challenges and opportunities facing the nuclear power industry.
About PennWell
Established in 1910, PennWell Corporation is a leading international multimedia provider of business intelligence, producing 45 print and online publications, and over 60 conferences and exhibitions, research, databases, internet-based services and other information products to strategic global markets. PennWell POWER-GEN conferences and exhibitions are the world’s leading business-to-business power generation events, together connecting over 50,000 industry professionals each year. In addition to its headquarters in Tulsa, USA, PennWell has offices throughout the world, including England, Germany, Russia and Hong Kong, to provide its customers and partners with a truly global service. www.pennwell.com