Welcome message by Federal Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer & State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner
30.01.2026
The Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism and the State Secretary for Energy convey their greetings.
Excerpt from the welcome message of the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism Dr. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer and State Secretary for Energy, Mag. Elisabeth Zehetner:
"
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.
"
