INSPIRE energy summit 2023 launch

The big VERBUND energy conference started on Wednesday afternoon. Numerous attendees gathered at Scalaria on Lake Wolfgang and used the first day for networking and discussions. Finally, on 28 September, the conference kicked off with an exciting programme featuring top-class speakers and central insights into the transformation of the energy system.

The INSPIRE energy summit 2023 energy conference was held in our new setting for the first time this year, and offered a meeting point and an exchange platform for everyone who wants to actively help shape the transition to clean energy. The topics of climate action, security of supply, and profitability were discussed and worked on in keynotes, panel discussions and roundtables.

On 27 September, scalaria opened its doors in Salzkammergut and extended a warm welcome to everyone attending the conference. To kick off the event, everyone present was invited to take a boat trip on the MS Salzburg – including a spectacular water show in front of the fantastic Salzkammergut panorama.

Our highlights from the first day of the conference

“We make it happen!” VERBUND CEO Michael Strugl said as he opened the welcome dinner at scalria. He spoke frankly to all participants: “We will show that this transformation is possible, what we have already achieved together and will continue to achieve together.”

The largely regional dinner buffet didn’t just impress guests with its vegan alternatives, but also with the musical accompaniment of Viennese DJ Melinda Stoika.

After a successful first evening, the conference will start on 28 September with the first inspiring talks and discussions.

Das Programm am 28. September

Michael Strugl smiles into the camera. A reservoir in the background. He is wearing a dark grey turtleneck jumper.
9/28/2023
Michael Strugl on the energy transition
Much is possible – if we want it and tackle it. The future is in our hands. Because together we are the driving force behind change. A plea by Michael Strugl.
A series of white pipes in the evening light.
9/28/2023
The journey of hydrogen
“Water is the coal of the future. The energy of tomorrow is water that has been broken down by electricity. The elements of water – hydrogen and oxygen – that have been broken down in this way will ensure the Earth’s energy supply for the foreseeable future.”
Author Marc Elsberg smiles into the camera. He is wearing a dark blue suit.
9/28/2023
A look into the future with Marc Elsberg
With bestsellers such as Blackout and °C – Celsius, the writer Marc Elsberg has earned an international reputation. For Inspire, he looks ahead to what the world might look like in 2040.

Philipp Blom: “The day we tell our children”

“There needs to be a historical imperative to fundamentally change something, because things will not continue as they are now. But we currently live in societies whose fondest hope is to preserve the status quo. Otherwise, particularly at the political level, there is a dismaying lack of vision for the future. Yet we have the technological tools we need and enough concepts at hand to initiate a change.”

Image: Copyright Thomas Topf

Philipp Blom is a historian, philosopher and writer, and, in his speech at 9:00 a.m. on 28 September, he explored our social fabric and how we can use the past more purposefully to make better decisions for tomorrow. 

On the second day of the conference, the INSPIRE energy summit 2023 offered an ambitious and varied programme full of inspiration, innovation and collaboration. The second day of the conference didn’t just focus on the theoretical aspects of the energy transition. The programme was also supplemented with plenty of “fresh air” and activity in the afternoon. All participants were able to look forward to exciting insights and outlooks against the inspiring mountain backdrop of the Salzkammergut at our INSPIRE Hike. 

We are the people implementing the transition to clean energy – we INSPIRE.