29.01.2026

The Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure conveys his greetings.

Excerpt from the welcome message of the Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure Peter Hanke:

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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.
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Welcome message by Federal Minister Peter Hanke (full text) [German]