The transformation of our energy system is one of the key shaping tasks of our time and of indispensable importance in order to put our economic location back in the fast lane. Energy is a fundamental factor for competitiveness and economic strength, as well as for security of supply, climate protection, and social cohesion in Austria and Europe. The motto of this year’s symposium – “Energizing Europe” – captures both this responsibility and the great opportunity it entails.

Europe’s energy future can only be shaped together. A powerful, resilient, and integrated European energy system is a prerequisite for making Europe an independent and at the same time competitive economic area. Initiatives such as the European Grids Package, with cross-border grid expansions and “superhighways,” demonstrate that the transformation of the energy market in the European Union is being conceived beyond national borders. Europe benefits when knowledge, infrastructure, and markets are considered together.

At the same time, this European perspective requires strong national foundations. In Austria, we are setting the course for a modern energy system through far-reaching reforms. The new Affordable Electricity Act reforms the electricity market for the first time in 20 years and provides the basis for greater flexibility, innovation, and security of supply. Such reforms are essential to making energy affordable, secure, and clean.

Major legislative initiatives and structural changes require a solid scientific foundation, sound analyses, and continuous exchange with experts from research, industry, and practice. This is precisely where researchers, universities, and specialist institutions make an indispensable contribution: they observe developments, assess technological and systemic trends, provide decision-making foundations, and identify courses of action. This expertise is crucial for designing effective and future-proof policy measures.

For many years, the Energy Innovation Symposium of TU Graz has provided exactly this space for networking, discussion, and interdisciplinary exchange. In 2026, it once again brings together an impressive diversity of topics, perspectives, and solution approaches – ranging from energy systems and grid infrastructure to market models and digitalization, as well as societal, economic, and European issues. In doing so, the symposium makes an important contribution to the further development of energy policy and to strengthening the innovation landscape.

We would like to thank everyone involved – the scientific committee, the organizing team, the speakers, and the participants – for their commitment and their contribution to this important dialogue. We wish you inspiring presentations, insightful discussions, and many new impulses for the shared task of shaping Europe’s energy future in a sustainable, secure, and innovative way.

Mag. Dr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism

Mag. Elisabeth Zehetner
State Secretary for Energy

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Energy innovations from Austria create jobs, demonstrate technological leadership and pioneering spirit, and contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gases. This is more necessary than ever, as global greenhouse gas emissions reached a historic increase in 2024. Austria, by contrast, was able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 2.6%. One reason for this was energy innovations and their implementation in industry, buildings, and transport.

Energy innovations are based on visionary contributions and long-term commitment by stakeholders from science, research, and industry, supported by targeted, long-term federal research funding. In this way, we jointly create developments to address the energy transition in the areas of electricity, heat, and mobility.

The Symposium on Energy Innovation of the Institute of Electricity Economics and Energy Innovation at TU Graz is being held for the 19th time this year, with a focus on “Innovations for a Future-Proof Energy Economy.” The energy sector on the path toward the energy transition benefits greatly from Austrian energy research, as shown by figures from recent years: in 2023 and 2024, the previous expansion of photovoltaics across Austria was more than doubled to 9,400 MWpeak. Wind power increased by more than 490 MW over the two years, and 110,000 heat pumps were installed.

Together with Austria’s traditionally strong biomass sector and the widespread use of solar thermal energy, these sectors employed 45,000 people in 2024 and generated revenues of over 11 billion euros.

In addition to Austrian efforts, international research cooperation in the energy sector is also a key concern of my ministry. This includes the participation of Austrian researchers in technology programs of the International Energy Agency, European research partnerships, Mission Innovation, and a wide range of bilateral R&D&I calls with other countries.

I wish all participants of the Symposium on Energy Innovation 2026 inspiring insights and discussions and would like to thank everyone involved: the scientific committee, the organizers, and the speakers for their extensive and dedicated efforts.

KommR Peter Hanke
Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure

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The Symposium Energieinnovation in Graz is far more than a purely technical conference. For the 19th time, it provides a central forum for dialogue, innovation, and responsibility. Leading figures from science and research, business and industry, associations, as well as politics and public administration come together here to jointly develop well-founded answers to the most pressing questions of our energy future.

“ENERGIZING EUROPE – Innovations for a Sustainable Energy Economy” demonstrates which technological and societal developments can sustainably transform Europe’s energy system – ranging from renewable energies and intelligent grids to storage technologies, hydrogen, and digital control systems. For me, one thing is clear: we must not play technologies off against one another. Energy security can only be achieved through the interaction of different solutions.

The 19th Symposium Energieinnovation, taking place from 11 to 13 February 2026 at Graz University of Technology, sends a strong signal of its relevance and impact with more than 600 participants and over 230 presentations. My special thanks go to Graz University of Technology and the Institute of Electricity Economics and Energy Innovation for the dedicated and excellent organization of this symposium.

With its interdisciplinary approach and impressive depth of content, the symposium sets new standards year after year. The diversity of perspectives, the high quality of contributions, and the commitment of all those involved make this symposium a beacon of the European energy debate.

Mario Kunasek
Governor of Styria Mario Kunasek

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For decades, the energy sector in Europe has been able to ensure security of supply and affordability while increasingly relying on renewable energy sources. Like many other aspects of our daily lives, however, this security is increasingly being called into question. Geopolitical upheavals confront us with challenges that go far beyond the energy sector. Energy plays a central role in the daily lives of all people, which has placed it at the heart of global distribution conflicts.

The question of how Europe can design its energy supply to be resilient, affordable for all, and sustainable has long been and remains a key issue for the future. Never before has it been more important, in light of current conflicts over the control of raw material resources, to reduce dependence on fossil energy sources and thereby also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Economic realities show that this is an extremely demanding task, one that also requires the development of appropriate instruments for governance and regulation. Only a strong interplay between technological innovation and prudent, forward-looking policy can ensure that people are willing to support the necessary changes.

The 19th Symposium Energieinnovation offers a unique platform to address these questions. The diversity of contributions illustrates how broad the spectrum of necessary solutions is. Science, industry, politics, and public administration are all called upon to pool knowledge, sharpen perspectives, and develop pathways toward a resilient energy system across Europe.

As Mayor of the provincial capital Graz, I am grateful that in our city, institutions such as the Institute of Electricity Economics and Energy Innovation contribute to finding approaches that help move closer to answers to these questions. I wish all participants a fruitful and constructive exchange!

Elke Kahr
Mayor of Graz

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Europe’s energy sector is in the midst of a profound transformation. EnInnov 2026 addresses this development under the motto “ENERGIZING EUROPE – Innovations for a Sustainable Energy Sector” and provides an excellent platform for presenting and discussing the latest research findings and forward-looking ideas.

Sustainable energy systems require expert knowledge, holistic strategies, and strong networks. Research and innovation are the driving forces behind this transformation. TU Graz actively contributes to shaping this change through research and teaching in sustainable energy systems, climate protection, mobility, and digitalization, through initiatives such as the Research Center ENERGETICS, and through close cooperation with industry and the public sector.

My special thanks go to the Institute of Electricity Economics and Energy Innovation at TU Graz, the co-organizers and partner organizations, and to you, the participants, for your commitment. I wish you stimulating discussions, new perspectives, and many valuable connections.

Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Horst Bischof
Rector of Graz University of Technology

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