How Can a Competitive and Climate-Friendly Energy Supply Be Achieved? This question was at the center of the 7th Regensburg Energy Congress, which brought together experts from business, science, and politics at OTH Regensburg. Over the course of two days, approximately 160 participants discussed forward-looking strategies and innovative solutions for the energy sector.
The event featured a diverse program. Renowned speakers from the energy industry shed light on topics such as the role of flexible energy markets, innovative transformation strategies, and the importance of municipal heat planning.
High-Profile Lectures and Engaging Discussions
The congress opened with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Manfred Fischedick, President of the Wuppertal Institute, on climate neutrality in the context of competitiveness and energy security. This was followed by insightful contributions, including Thomas Reitemann (E.ON Energy Markets GmbH) on the importance of flexible energy markets and Martina Birk (Krones AG) on sustainable energy supply in the industry.
A highlight of the congress was the panel discussion featuring State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt (Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy), Dr. Egon Leo Westphal (Bayernwerk AG), Martina Birk (Krones AG), Thomas Reitemann (E.ON Energy Markets GmbH), and Rainer Stock (Association of Municipal Enterprises e.V.). The discussion impressively illustrated the high complexity of energy supply—not only from a technical perspective but also in economic and regulatory terms. Different viewpoints were exchanged, leading to a nuanced picture of the challenges and potential solutions.
"Every real contribution to the energy transition counts—it’s all about action. Together, we are making Bavaria the home of the world’s most modern, intelligent, and sustainable energy system. Our economy needs energy security, our children deserve a sustainable future, and we all need affordable energy prices. We rely on innovation, technological openness, and practical solutions. With hydrogen, we have already proven that we do not wait for others but take bold steps forward. We recognized the potential of hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels early on and are now pioneers in this field," said State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt.
"Companies Are Increasingly Recognizing the Opportunities of the Energy Transition"
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Brückl, Head of the Regensburg Energy Congress, gave a positive assessment: "I am personally very pleased that companies are not only facing the significant challenges of energy supply but are increasingly taking proactive steps. They recognize the benefits of transformation and use them to enhance their competitiveness."
Dr. Jürgen Helmes, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Regensburg for Upper Palatinate/Kelheim, emphasized in his statement the need for a flexible electricity demand: "A reliable, competitive, and climate-friendly energy supply is crucial for our business location. The flexibility of electricity demand plays a central role in this. In some industries, this is feasible. However, many companies cannot simply adapt their production processes, for example, because they operate in three shifts and must meet delivery deadlines. Therefore, flexibility should be promoted where possible—but companies should not be disadvantaged if this is not an option for them."
University Takes Action for Sustainability
The event was organized by OTH Regensburg with the support of the IHK Regensburg for Upper Palatinate/Kelheim, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, and the European Region Danube-Moldau (EDM). With its commitment to sustainability and climate justice, OTH Regensburg is making a strong impact and actively contributing to shaping the energy transition. Sustainability is one of the key objectives in the university's development plan. A comprehensive strategy provides the foundation, while sustainability monitoring ensures that the set goals are achieved.
The Regensburg Energy Congress takes place every two years and will be held again in 2027. Next year, in 2026, the focus will shift to the Regensburg Hydrogen Conference, led by Prof. Dr. Michael Sterner, which will explore the potentials and challenges of the hydrogen economy.
