News – vgbe energy

vgbe Summer School 2026 | more

elshoffn — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:38:53 +0000

„Some things are good and will always be good!” With these words we began our review of the vgbe Summer School 2025, and now, a year later, we remain true to this motto. After intensive preparation, the 53rd edition of the vgbe Summer School began on August 31, 2026. Vgbe Executive Managing Director and host of the Summer School, Dr. Oliver Then, welcomed the 23 participants from 10 universities in Italy, Slovenia, Greece, Poland and Germany to a week full of hands-on lectures, exciting excursions and valuable contacts with experts.

At the start, the focus was on the KWS Energy Knowledge eG wind energy training facility—the only one of its kind in Germany. Over the course of the week, there were presentations on topics ranging from health and safety and hydropower to AI and storage technologies. Steffanie Fidorra-Fränz, who has been organizing the program for years, was enthusiastic about the intensive exchange among the international group and the lasting connections with the European energy sector. Many networks have already emerged from the Summer School. After more than half a century of the Summer School, one repeatedly encounters people—both at events and in everyday professional life—who attended in the past and are now firmly established in the energy sector.

For this year’s participants, the excursion to the Walsum power plant was particularly impressive. The lift went up 100 meters to the boiler house of Unit 9 of the Duisburg-Walsum coal-fired power plant, offering a view of Unit 10 and the site of the planned large-scale battery storage project “Steady Green Energy“. The concluding topics/focus areas were hydrogen and CCU, with lectures from GWI and Fraunhofer.

Our thanks go to all participants as well as speakers, hosts, and everyone who has been making the Summer School possible “behind the scenes” for over 50 years. We are already looking forward to next year.

Questions about the vgbe Summer School can be answered by Steffanie Fidorra-Fränz

New vgbe study on offshore wind energy utilisation in Germany

elshoffn — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:54:15 +0000

Offshore wind energy is a key pillar of the energy transition. But how is its actual utilisation developing—and what challenges does this pose for integration into the energy system?

The scientific study “Offshore Wind Energy Utilisation in Germany: Status Quo, Challenges, and Future Prospects” presents findings on the development of offshore wind energy use in Germany, based on long-term, real-world feed-in and operational data.

The results show that fluctuations in power output (intermittency) and air turbulence behind the turbines (wake effects) increase in densely packed wind farms. Feed-in data from 2015 to 2024 show declining capacity factors, and, consequently, a decrease in the utilisation rate of the offshore fleet from 42 per cent in 2015 to 32 per cent in 2025. At the same time, the share of curtailed offshore wind power generation rose from 0.2% in 2015 to nearly 18% in 2024.

The study thus makes it clear that the further expansion of offshore wind energy cannot be viewed in isolation. Grid infrastructure, flexibility, storage, and guaranteed capacity must be considered holistically alongside the increasing installed generation capacity.

With regard to the future development of offshore wind energy, the authors, Guido S. Vallana and Thomas Linnemann, advocate for a more system-oriented approach that takes into account not only installed capacity but also the actual annual energy output achievable and grid integration. The study is based on long-term, real-world feed-in and operational data from the European ENTSO-E transparency platform.

Technical Programme “Assessing the the mechanical properties and sliding wear behaviour of wear performance of wear resistant materials in hydrogen” |more

elshoffn — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:34:19 +0000

The technical programme “Assessing the the mechanical properties and sliding wear behaviour of wear performance of wear resistant materials in hydrogen” run by vgbe energy e.V. systematically investigates the behaviour of wear-resistant, cladding-welded materials under the influence of hydrogen compared with air – from manufacture through mechanical and tribological testing to metallurgical evaluation.

The project is divided into several work packages (WP), which are carried out by various consortium partners:

WP 1: Sample preparation: This includes, amongst other things, Antinit Dur® 500 cladding of blanks, as well as the fabrication and fine grinding of the heat-treated samples.

WP 2: Testing in air and hydrogen at room temperature, comprising tensile tests, fracture toughness tests and sliding wear tests.

WP 3: Metallurgical and tribological evaluation: This includes, amongst other things, the characterisation of the surfaces and near-surface cross-sections following testing (e.g. using confocal microscopy or SEM). In addition, qualitative observations will be recorded regarding wear mechanisms, the tendency to seize and the relative wear behaviour of the materials in air compared with hydrogen.

Interested companies can submit a binding registration to participate using the registration form (on the last page of the project description).

If you are interested, please contact

Jens Ganswind-Eyberg
p +49 201 8128 295
m +49 151 18248007
e Jens.Ganswind@vgbe.energy

vgbe supports the flexibilization of Indonesian coal-fired power plants

elshoffn — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:34:28 +0000

The activities focus primarily on demonstration projects designed to test flexible operation at reference power plants. These plants belong to the Jawa-Madura-Bali (JAMALI) system which is the largest electricity network in the Indonesian archipelago, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the country’s total generation capacity.

To select suitable reference plants, a fact-finding mission took place from 4 to 10 July. As part of this mission, Dr. Christian Ullrich and Prof. Dr. Claudia Weise from vgbe along with Aravindakshan Ramanan and Imam Askolani from GIZ Indonesia visited two power plant sites operated by the state-owned energy company PLN. The first plant is the Lontar facility, which consists of three subcritical and one supercritical unit, each with a capacity of 300 MW, and operated by PLN Indonesia Power. The second power plant site is Indramayu, where three subcritical units with a capacity of 310 MW each are in operation. The flexibility test runs are scheduled to take place in November of this year. The results are expected to help enable the power plant sites to operate flexibly, particularly with regard to low minimum loads.

DThis flexibility will be necessary to achieve the Indonesia’s PV expansion targets. Recently, the Indonesian government has announced targets of 100 GW Solar PV by 2030. However, the current share of renewables – which are based mainly on hydropower and geothermal energy – is about 13 percent. Coal accounts for 67 percent—with an installed capacity of approximately 29 GW, PLN is the largest operator of coal-fired power plants.

Review of the vgbe Technical Conference “Steam Turbines and Steam Turbine Operation 2026”

elshoffn — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:43:02 +0000

The role of the steam turbine in the future energy system

The decarbonisation of the energy system associated with the energy transition might suggest that the importance of the steam turbine is declining. However, this assumption was once again disproved at the biennial vgbe Technical Conference “Steam Turbines and Steam Turbine Operation”. Around 200 participants from Germany and abroad travelled to Dresden to learn about the latest trends and to exchange insights within the highly interconnected vgbe steam turbine community.

The field of application for steam turbines is increasingly evolving: from conventional large-scale power generation technology to a key component for efficiency improvements, sector coupling, and the utilisation of waste heat. In an energy system dominated by renewables, with a growing share of wind and solar power, steam turbines will in future be used less for baseload operation and more for the provision of dispatchable power. Consequently, steam turbines will remain technically relevant, even though the share of fossil fuels is expected to decline in the long term.

This was also outlined in the opening address:
“The steam turbine is far from obsolete; rather, it is a key technology for reconciling security of supply, economic viability, and climate targets.”

Key topics of the conference

The event focused in particular on the following subject areas:

- Adaptation of existing fleets
- Operational challenges
- Handling of findings
- Maintenance strategies for steam turbines

The topics “Adaptation of existing fleets” and “Operational challenges” can be summarised under the guiding theme: “Steam turbines in a changing operating regime.”

Changing operating regimes

The volatility of wind and solar power has a direct impact on the mode of operation of steam turbines. The consequences include:

- Frequent start-ups
- Rapid load changes
- Operation in the part load range
- Short downtime periods

As a result, the original design conditions are increasingly exceeded. Nevertheless, plants continue to achieve very high availability rates. Targeted adaptations are required to ensure that these positive results can be maintained under changing framework conditions.

Various contributions presented retrofit measures, conversion concepts, modernisation approaches, and methods for improving energy efficiency.

Maintenance and condition monitoring

In the field of maintenance, condition-based maintenance continues to gain prominence. Presentations covered:

- Long-term experience with condition monitoring systems
- A tool combining physics-based diagnostic methods with data-driven fault detection

Furthermore, proven risk mitigation measures for creep fatigue cracking in steam turbine rotors were presented.

Contribution to grid stability

In addition to flexible power generation, steam turbines make an important contribution to grid support. Against this background, additional requirements from grid operators may arise in the future.
One presentation demonstrated, as an example, the role steam turbines can play in maintaining system stability during over-frequency events, particularly by preventing unplanned shutdowns.

Damage patterns and operational experience

The range of potential damage scenarios was illustrated through several practical case studies, including:

- Major global failures of steam turbine sets resulting from the failure of protection and emergency systems
- Crack formation in last-stage blades

These contributions underlined the importance of systematic condition monitoring and preventive measures.

Exchange and networking

The themed discussion sessions once again made a significant contribution to practical and intensive professional exchange. In discussion rounds on topics such as “Maintenance and outage planning”, as well as in an English-language format titled “Best Practices”, participants shared experiences, gained new insights, and established professional contacts.

Technological developments

The concluding presentation emphasised that the fundamental physical principles of the steam turbine remain technology-neutral. The development of a reaction turbine for the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), aimed at the efficient utilisation of low-temperature waste heat, was introduced.

Further development of this technology will be followed with great interest, and it is expected that the latest results will be presented at the next conference.

Technical exhibition and supporting programme

Alongside the conference, a technical exhibition featuring 38 exhibitors showcased products and services related to steam turbines. The lecture programme was complemented by sufficient breaks, which were actively used for technical discussions and visits to the exhibition.

Acknowledgements and outlook

The entire vgbe team would like to thank all speakers, participants, and exhibitors for their technically sound contributions, constructive discussions, and presented innovations. Through this active engagement, the 2026 Steam Turbine Conference was once again a great success.

The next Conference “Steam Turbines and Steam Turbine Operation” is scheduled to take place, as part of the regular cycle, in 2028. The venue, dates, and programme will be announced on the vgbe website and in the vgbe energy journal.

Review vgbe Workshop „Flue Gas Cleaning 2026“

elshoffn — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:59:22 +0000

Flue Gas Cleaning – Still a Key Topic in Power Generation

Flue gas cleaning remains a key topic in energy technology. Despite the growing share of renewable energy — approximately 48% of the EU electricity mix in 2025 and roughly 29% of electricity generation in the EU is still based on fossil fuels. Globally, this share is significantly higher at about 57%, while low-carbon technologies (renewables, hydropower, and nuclear energy) accounted for some 43% of electricity production in 2025.

Against this backdrop, the efficient and reliable removal of pollutants from flue gases is indispensable for complying with regulatory limits and achieving international climate targets. The focus continues to be on conventional pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter, but increasingly also on carbon dioxide (CO₂) and trace pollutants such as mercury.

In addition, other climate-relevant gases like methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases (F-gases) are receiving growing attention. In accordance with the Paris Agreement, a balance between anthropogenic emissions and their removal by natural or technical sinks must be achieved in the second half of this century (net-zero target). This creates significant pressure on operators of thermal plants and on the further development of corresponding technologies, as dispatchable generation capacity must remain available in the energy system despite the massive expansion of renewables, meaning that fossil fuels will continue to be used in the future.

The vgbe Technical Committee “Chemistry & Emission Control” has been intensively addressing these issues for many years and promotes international exchange of experience. In this context, the “Flue Gas Cleaning Workshop 2026” was held in Lyon with around 40 participants from various European countries.

Technical Focus Areas of the Workshop

The workshop covered three key areas of modern flue gas cleaning:

NOₓ Reduction

The reduction of nitrogen oxides in power plants and waste incineration facilities continues to be primarily achieved by selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR).

Contributions on SCR technology focused in particular on:

Practical experience with catalyst regeneration and its impact on activity and service life
Procurement strategies for catalysts and typical risks in tendering and quality assurance

In the field of SNCR, the current state of the art was presented, including optimisation approaches regarding the use of reducing agents, temperature windows, and emission reduction performance.

Removal of Acidic Components, Particulates, and Heavy Metals

Another focus was on optimising existing flue gas cleaning systems. Topics discussed included:

Operational and control strategies for flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems
Efficiency improvements and modernisation of electrostatic precipitators (ESP)
Practical experience from the comprehensive refurbishment of an existing ESP

Particular attention was given to modern semi-dry processes, which offer high removal efficiencies combined with reduced operating costs.

In addition, current results on mercury removal in lignite-fired power plants were presented, including measurement methods and optimisation measures.

Carbon Capture (CCS)

In the field of CO₂ capture, both plant concepts and their integration into existing power plant processes were addressed. Key findings included:

High-quality pre-cleaning of flue gas is crucial to minimise solvent degradation and operating costs of CO₂ capture systems
Combinations of flue gas cleaning and heat recovery offer additional efficiency potential

Furthermore, new developments in the analysis and monitoring of trace elements in the CO₂ product stream were presented, which are relevant for transport, storage, and utilisation.

Discussion and Outlook

Following the technical presentations, two key topics were discussed in depth:

Implementation of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED 2.0)
Participants discussed the practical implications of stricter requirements. It was emphasised that more stringent BAT-AEL values are expected to become binding across all EU member states. For many existing plants, this represents a significant technical and economic challenge.
Market development for CO₂ capture technologies
Assessments of the future CCS market were mixed. On the one hand, there is uncertainty regarding regulatory frameworks and investment incentives. On the other hand, CCS was identified as an essential key technology for achieving climate targets.

Plants with high utilisation rates and continuous operation are considered particularly suitable. It was critically noted that industrial CO₂ sources with high purity have so far only been utilised to a limited extent. Ultimately, it was pointed out that market development will largely depend on political decisions and regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion

The workshop clearly demonstrated that flue gas cleaning continues to play a central role in the context of the energy transition. In addition to the ongoing optimisation of established technologies, integrated approaches and new processes — particularly in the field of CO₂ capture — are gaining increasing importance.

Networking

In addition to the technical presentations and in-depth discussions, there were once again excellent networking opportunities. During the joint dinner on the first day and the impressive city tour following the workshop, existing contacts were strengthened and new connections established.

The engaging side program was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of LAB.

The vgbe workshop team would like to thank all speakers for their insightful and practice-oriented contributions, all participants for their valuable input and active engagement, and our sponsor LAB for providing an excellent framework for effective networking.

The next Flue Gas Cleaning Workshop will take place in 2027. Venue and date will be announced in due time via the usual channels (vgbe Event calendar und LinkedIn ).

Review of the vgbe KELI 2026 – Conference on Electrical, Control, and Information Technology in Energy Supply

elshoffn — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:56:54 +0000

How do we respond to digital and physical attacks on critical infrastructure? When will the next blackout occur? What role do drones, geopolitical factors, or AI applications play? And what can we learn from one another regarding IT/OT security and electrical engineering in energy facilities? One thing was clear: the topics covered at KELI 2026 could hardly have been more timely or exciting. Nearly 50 speakers delivered 40 presentations, spread across eleven thematically organized sections. The KELI community was larger than it had been in a long time: 250 participants made their way to Mannheim before Pentecost, to the grand hall with the purple columns—a setting perfectly in line with KELI’s branding.

The opening remarks by vgbe Managing Director Dr. Oliver Then made it clear what challenges the industry is currently facing. With regard to the agreed-upon coal phase-out, the new Power Plant Strategy Act, and the debate over new gas-fired power plant capacity, Then spoke candidly about the need for binding political commitments to invest in flexible gas-fired power generation capacity. He repeatedly drew laughter from the audience with his dry humor—for example, with the remark that “what lasts a long time doesn’t automatically turn out well.”

At the same time, Then made it clear how seriously the situation is viewed: security of supply, system stability, and economic burdens continue to concern vgbe member companies. Equally compelling, though rhetorically not for the faint of heart, was the plenary presentation by RWE IT expert Andreas Jambor on the new threat landscape for critical infrastructure. His central message: Attacks on energy facilities are no longer merely hypothetical scenarios. Physical sabotage, espionage attempts, hybrid attacks, and drones are increasingly becoming real threats to operators of critical infrastructure. According to Jambor, geopolitical conflicts, tensions on global markets, and the outflow of expertise also influence potential threat scenarios. He discussed in detail new EU regulations, NIS2 directives, KRITIS requirements, and their significance for facility operators. Today, the focus of many security concepts is not on whether an attack will occur, but when. It affects every single person in the audience—not just companies, not just hospitals or public life, but also individuals in their private homes—especially in light of the widespread blackouts in Spain and Portugal in 2025 and the one in parts of Berlin in early 2026.

The field trips organized as part of the KELI conference were very well received by participants

The presentation on MVV’s large-scale heat pump in Mannheim, among other things, demonstrated how the energy transition is now being implemented in industrial projects. There, thermal energy is extracted directly from the river and harnessed for district heating using heat pump technology. Participants had the opportunity to explore the facility on-site during a technical tour on the very first day of the conference. The exclusive tour of the ABB Campus Mannheim also generated significant interest, with the Automation Forum—and its modern automation and digitalization solutions—making a particularly strong impression. In fact, ABB was a constant presence throughout the entire event—both through numerous technical presentations and within the exhibition itself. No wonder: Mannheim is one of the group’s most important German locations. The topic of cybersecurity and OT security also took center stage. Several presentations made it clear that security incidents are now considered inevitable. The ability to remain operational even in a crisis is therefore crucial. Among other things, the presentations covered pragmatic attack detection systems, co-managed SOC concepts, recovery processes, and OT emergency drills. Particularly striking was a scenario in which multiple sites were affected simultaneously and initially had no mutual communication—a realistic crisis scenario that visibly affected many participants.

Exhibitor Siemens Energy Impresses with a Culinary Surprise

In addition to the technical presentations, the exhibition also played a central role at the conference. Since all breaks were deliberately held directly in the exhibition area, the booths were practically bustling with activity throughout. Manufacturers, service providers, and operators made intensive use of the opportunity to discuss new projects, technologies, and industry challenges. The exhibitors were accordingly pleased with the response. However, the most unusual highlight of the exhibition was a nostalgic ice cream truck at the Siemens Energy booth. There, the inventor of spaghetti ice cream, Dario Fontanella, personally served his famous creation to the participants. Many of the approximately 250 guests lined up at times for the dessert, which was invented in Germany but is largely unknown in Italy itself. The evening event at the boathouse on the banks of the Rhine in Mannheim ultimately provided the perfect balance to two intensive days of the conference. During a group walk along the Neckar and later over good food and long conversations, discussions continued late into the evening—covering grid stability, hydrogen, AI, regulations, blackout scenarios, and the future of energy supply.

You can find all the information about the event, the exhibitors, and the presentations in the program here.

Fire protection at vgbe: Now with an in-house fire safety officer

elshoffn — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:56:33 +0000

Fire protection and occupational safety are of paramount importance, particularly within the energy sector. As the energy system is continuously evolving, however, not only are operational requirements changing, but also associated fire protection risks and challenges. Emerging technologies such as battery energy storage systems, hydrogen applications, biomass plants, and increasingly complex electrical infrastructures require specialised protection concepts and a profound understanding of preventive, organisational, and technical fire protection measures.

At the same time, regulatory requirements and expectations placed on operators, planners, and experts are steadily increasing, especially with regard to ensuring safe and resilient plant concepts throughout the entire lifecycle of energy facilities. Preventive fire protection is therefore becoming an ever more strategic component of modern safety and risk management systems within the energy industry.

As early as last year, vgbe strengthened its Health & Safety team with the appointment of Dr Lukas Biesen. Since joining vgbe, he has been working on occupational health and safety topics, with a particular focus on preventive and operational fire protection within the energy sector.

By successfully completing his training as a fire safety officer at Sicherheitsingenieur.nrw, Lukas Biesen has now further expanded his professional expertise. This additional qualification represents a significant benefit not only for vgbe itself, but particularly for the association’s member companies and international committees, which can now receive even more comprehensive support in all fire protection-related matters.
The fire safety officer training programme at Sicherheitsingenieur.nrw covered not only the fundamental principles of preventive and organisational fire protection, but also included the preparation of risk assessments, escape and rescue plans, the evaluation of practical fire protection concepts, and the handling of complex legal and regulatory issues. The programme was complemented by practical on-site training sessions and inspections, as well as professional exchange with experienced practitioners. In addition, intensive independent study and project phases focused on real-world case studies, the revision of existing concepts, and the preparation of fire protection documentation.

vgbe Executive Managing Director Dr Oliver Then congratulated Lukas Biesen on successfully completing the training and commented:
“We are delighted that Lukas Biesen has successfully completed his training as a fire safety officer. This represents a considerable benefit both for the vgbe office and our staff on site, as well as, of course, for our member companies.
The importance of fire protection cannot be overstated. The protection of personnel must always remain the highest priority. Beyond this, however, plant availability, security of supply, and the prevention of consequential damage to both the environment and assets are of crucial importance to our industry.
Personally, I am very pleased to see our Health & Safety team so well positioned. Our younger colleagues are highly motivated and make a significant contribution to the success of the association’s work in the field of Health & Safety through their personal commitment and expertise.”

Further training and specialisation in the fields of occupational safety, fire protection, and health protection are already being planned in order to continuously expand the expertise of the vgbe Health & Safety team.

Shaping Transformation Efficiently – Workshops in India Highlight Challenges and Solutions

elshoffn — Wed, 27 May 2026 09:10:55 +0000

Under the auspices of the Indo-German Energy Partnership, it has become a well-established tradition to organize two workshops annually at different locations in India. On May 20 and 22 of this year, they took place in Lucknow and Jaipur under the theme “Technical Pioneers of the Energy Transition.” More than 150 participants discussed how to successfully transform India’s energy system. The flexible operation of coal-fired power plants plays a crucial role in this – approximately three-quarters of India’s electricity production relies on coal.

It has become clear that achieving a minimum load of 55 percent is no longer a major challenge for most coal-fired power plants. This fulfils a key requirement set by the Central Electricity Authority – a key regulatory body in India’s electricity sector. The next goal is to further reduce the load to 40 percent. This has been the subject of many intense discussions – regarding the technical requirements for doing so as well as the effects of flexible power plant operation on plant components. Prof. Dr. Claudia Weise and Dr. Christian Ullrich from the vgbe reported on the experiences that have been gathered in Germany and Europe in this regard.

The workshops were organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and India’s Excellence Enhancement Centre (EEC). On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, GIZ is responsible for implementing the Indo-German Energy Partnership, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Review vgbe Conference DIHKW 2026

elshoffn — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:18:36 +0000

On the shores of Lake Templin, on the historic grounds of the airship port, stands the Kongresshotel Potsdam—a place where history, the present, and the future intertwine in a unique way. Where zeppelins once soared into the sky, embodying the pioneering spirit of early aviation, some 170 experts gathered to discuss the technologies driving the energy and industrial transformation. This symbolic connection is hardly coincidental: The airships of yesteryear stood for technical breakthroughs, bold visions, and a belief in progress—precisely the attitude that also shapes today’s debate on a low-carbon energy supply. Against this inspiring backdrop, the Kongresshotel Potsdam became the perfect venue for an exchange on innovations, challenges, and perspectives within a changing energy landscape.

19 presentations provide insights into a wide range of technological and operational realities

Following the official welcome by Swen Kaast (vgbe energy e.V.) and Thomas Bahde (BEW Berliner Energie und Wärme GmbH) in the main conference hall, Peter Volkmann, Hubertus Dünschede, Markus Bieder, and Michael Kübel served as moderators and session chairs for 19 presentations, divided into five sessions. The focus of the conference was the well-known question of how Germany’s energy supply can become secure, affordable, and more climate-friendly at the same time — a tension that ran like a common thread through nearly all the presentations. Amid discussions of hydrogen technologies, system stability, central control rooms, modern burner technologies, combined cycle power plants, geothermal energy, large-scale heat pumps, biomass cogeneration plants, and gas engine power plants, one thing became clear: The energy transition is not being implemented in Berlin and Brussels, but right in the heart of control rooms, power plant halls, and engineering offices.

Swen Kaast commented: “What was particularly exciting was the high practical component of many of the presentations. Speakers shared real-world operational experiences, concrete figures, and unfiltered insights from their facilities—including failures, analyses, and lessons learned.” Discussions were correspondingly lively: during and after the presentations, as well as during the breaks, which were accompanied by a rich culinary spread. Several presentations that deliberately went beyond purely technical issues also drew attention. For instance, Prof. Dr. Thomas Brockmeier spoke remarkably candidly about the costs of the energy transition for German households, political decision-making gridlocks, and the technology-inhibiting effect of ever-new regulations and ordinances. Christoph Hauke turned his attention to the working world of the industry itself. Surprisingly directly, he addressed generational conflicts between boomers and Generation Alpha, young people who don’t drop their slang even in job interviews, and how to win over this new generation with feedback and freedom. International experts also made their way to Potsdam, including Prof. Dr. Oliver Probst from the School of Engineering and Sciences in Monterrey, Mexico, who compared the energy systems of Germany and Mexico in his presentation—thereby bringing an outside perspective to an often very German debate.

Networking between exhibition booths and Babelsberg film sets

A total of 15 exhibitors presented new products, services, and technical solutions. Manufacturers and service providers took the opportunity to initiate new contracts and partnerships directly at the conference. Another ideal opportunity for networking at vgbe conferences is provided by the elaborately organized evening events, which in Potsdam included an exclusive guided tour of the hallowed halls of the Babelsberg Film Park. Following in the footsteps of international film history, the groups marveled at original props from major blockbusters and gained insights into stunt and studio productions. The event concluded with a dinner attended by approximately 170 guests, including vgbe Managing Director Dr Oliver Then.

DIHKW 2026 impressively demonstrated that the energy sector is currently concerned with far more than mere technical issues. The focus was on security of supply and transformation, on innovation and bureaucracy, on skilled workers, generational change, and Europe’s role in global competition. Above all, however, it became clear just how great the need for honest exchange within the industry remains—technically sound, practical, and sometimes pleasantly controversial. Details of the next conference, expected to take place in approximately two years, will be announced in due course via vgbe Event Calendar and LinkedIn.

You can find all the information about the event, the exhibitors, and the presentations in the program here.