Supply security – From challenges to solutions

- Conversion of European energy-supply infrastructure goes along with alarming amber lights - Targets can only be achieved consistently and on European level - VGB PowerTech top service provider and “gate-keeper” for technical collaboration
  • Conversion of European energy-supply infrastructure goes along with alarming amber lights
  • Targets can only be achieved consistently and on European level
  • VGB PowerTech top service provider and “gate-keeper” for technical collaboration

“Security of Supply – From Challenges to Solutions” is the motto of this year´s
VGB PowerTech Congress “POWER PLANTS“ taking place in the European metropolis of Maastricht. Experts of the power supply business, politics, administration, and research discuss with international participants from more than 20 countries not only the challenges but also the solutions of future energy supply. As largest European technical event of its kind, the VGB Congress offers a wide range and a unique platform for discussing all issues of power generation from conventional power plants up to renewables-based electricity.

Professor Dr. Gerd Jäger, Chairman of VGB PowerTech, referred to important and urgent alarm signals in connection with the current conversion of the European power supply that is rather dominated by improvisation: “Electricity prices are on the rise with all consequences for private and industrial consumers, security of supply is under pressure at very fierce competition of glob-al markets which are decisive factors for our jobs and social security.”

Therefore, Jäger believes that all national and European parties involved must jointly develop ideas about which solutions are both ecologically and economically conducive to achieving the shared targets. Both technical solutions and solutions for shaping markets are needed. “As regards technology, naturally in the fore of VGB PowerTech, the challenges of the interaction of power generation and grid are at top of the agenda,” Jäger explained, “the same applies to the traditional issues of advancing flexible power plants and storage solutions.“

VGB PowerTech pursues the aim of being the top service provider for technical collaboration in power and heat production. “The current changes on the energy markets are calling for a platform and networks to exchange and further develop know-how“, Jäger emphasized, “VGB PowerTech is tackling the challenge and supports its members in all issues related to power generation.”

VGB PowerTech e.V. is the European technical association of power and heat generation domiciled in Essen. Its 511 members from 36 countries represent power plant capacity amounting to 530,000 MW, 471,000 MW of which in Europe.
From September 25 to 27, 2013, VGB PowerTech holds its Congress “Power Plants 2013” in the MECC in Maastricht/Netherlands.