The energy issue is by far the greatest global challenge of the 21st century. The technology it calls upon is ready for deployment – exhibitors at the Leading Trade Fair for Integrated Energy make that clear. However, it is not only essential to have the technology in place, but also the practical means and political motivation for change.

HANNOVER MESSE provides economists, researchers, and politicians with the ideal platform for discussion. Speeches and open forums center around one question in particular: how can we ensure that everyone involved across Europe is pulling in the same direction?

Greater than the Sum of Its Parts

Lower Saxony’s Minister for Environment Stefan Wenzel is optimistic. In a panel discussion, he stated that the energy revolution is looking increasingly likely to succeed. “It is no longer only representatives from politics driving the development, but also from business.” This is because renewable energy has become so affordable that it represents a sound investment for companies around the world.

However, creating the right political framework is as important as ever. European nations would have to move even closer together and align their energy policies. An integration project like this would require a certain degree of diplomacy and intuition.

Economic agents shared these sentiments. Lex Hartman from TenneT TSO’s Board of Directors insisted that the energy revolution calls for a combined European effort, adding that going it alone would prove fruitless. “We can’t all export energy at the same time.” He explained that if one country generates more energy, the other would have to curtail its production accordingly. Wenzel concurred, highlighting the importance of agreeing on a pan-European regulation within the coming years. Such a ruling would have to outline expectations for each participating country.

A New Kind of EU

Dr. Oliver Koch of the European Commission illustrated the European energy market’s new design using the EU’s “winter package” as an example. Koch also emphasized the difficulty of creating a unified market, or “Energy Union”. Furthermore, he explained the need to smooth the path towards a digital economy.

Indeed, the digital age presents several challenges. Operators used to be able to plan with greater reliability, but the energy market today is much more volatile than it was. In the new era of energy, it isn’t always clear when and where it is being generated. “Energy is always somewhere else.” Yet the network has to be stable everywhere. Supply and demand – and not production – should determine where energy goes. This is something regulators have to make sure of.

There are three main solutions:

HANNOVER MESSE offers you firsthand experience of solutions for tomorrow’s energy market. All the participating companies are gathered under one roof in Hall 12. The Leading Trade Fair for Integrated Energy offers a concise and informative overview of the topic.