For years, the energy industry has been in a state of disruption. The way electricity is generated has changed dramatically in recent years in response to political and social pressure, and will continue to do so in the future. Digitalisation is also changing the world of energy suppliers. What does this mean for the core business of energy suppliers? And what are the opportunities arising from these developments?
These and other questions were discussed by experts from science and industry in an exclusive round at the 1st Cologne Energy Salon at the EWI.
After an introduction by EWI Managing Director Annette Becker, Prof. Dr. Christian Tode from the Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences spoke about digitisation and three central developments that have resulted from it. Prof. Dr. Manfred Fischedick, Vice President of the renowned Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, explained the perspective of sustainability. Finally, Dr. Matthias Cord, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Thüga, spoke about “Digital Back to the Future – How to Balancing Core Business and Growth Topics”.
The subsequent discussion focused on the question of which personnel will guide energy suppliers through digitization and the energy transition. The speakers discussed with Dr. Eglantine Künle, Manager at EWI, Prof. Dr. Marc Oliver Bettzüge, Director and Managing Director of EWI, and Dr. Bernd-Georg Spies, Managing Director at Russell Reynolds Associates.
One of the findings of the evening was that the energy suppliers were experiencing significant declines in their core business, but there were also future issues to be addressed in the area of digitisation. For many young talents, in addition to financial incentives and opportunities for advancement, the scope for creative content and the corporate philosophy play an increasingly important role in the choice of employer.
The 1st Cologne Energy Salon was hosted by “Fördergesellschaft des EWI” and Russell Reynolds Associates.
