Energy transition
BMW Foundation develops global appeal as official partner of the Munich Security Conference
Vitali Klitschko came to the Energy Security Hub @BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt Pavillon on Saturday afternoon and met with experts and leaders from business, policy, science and civil society as one of the highlights of the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC). Under the motto "Securing Energy. Advancing Society', the BMW Foundation initiated a dynamic dialogue that highlighted solutions to the future issue of energy security.
The mayor, Vitali Klitschko, spoke emotionally about the reconstruction of his home city of Kyiv:
"I really have the hope that this war will stop this year. That our people no longer live in permanent fear, and don't have to spend half of their time in the underground." The power stations in his city were the first infrastructure pillars to be attacked by Russia. A secure infrastructure is a prerequisite for energy security. Turning crises into opportunities to implement new strategies for greater energy security In the face of the pressing global challenges of energy transition, it became clear once again that energy security is not only an economic and geopolitical issue, but is also inextricably linked to social progress, democratic values and economic prosperity. Heike Schneeweis, Member of the Board of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, underlined the importance of energy security and energy system transformation for society: "For us, it's all about moving society forward, because energy system transformation is a huge undertaking for society as a whole. We see it as an engine for social development and the safeguarding of democracy. Practical innovations and visionary perspectives: High-profile speakers in dialogue The Energy Security Hub kicked off with the Innovation Night, which focused on how innovation and cross-border collaboration can drive the transformation of global energy systems. Leo Birnbaum, Chief Executive Officer of E.ON, showed why leveraging European expertise, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks is key to global leadership in energy and technology. Representatives from start-ups such as Terralayr and Milvus Advanced presented their innovative solutions, which are already making a decisive contribution to the energy transition. “The open and collaborative approach that Big Tech companies are taking can serve as a model for other organisations and countries to use external expertise and resources to drive their energy initiatives, tailored to local needs. We should look: There is not just one way forward,” says Dr Heba Aguib, also a Member of the Board of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt. The following day focused on the integral role of energy innovation for European and global security and competitiveness. The focus was on collaboration between the public, private and philanthropic sectors to mobilise resources, scale solutions and strengthen industrial competitiveness. After an opening keynote by Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which focused on the growing global demand for energy and the comeback of nuclear power, as well as the importance of electrification and grid expansion to meet demand, speakers included John Studzinski, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Pimco, Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director, World Bank, and Christian Bruch, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Energy. Saturday morning focused on economic security and industrial policy, public perception and new global partnerships, with Benedetta Berti, Director, Policy Planning, Office of the Secretary General, NATO, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Honorary President and Global Ambassador of the Club of Rome, and Philipp Justus, Country Manager Germany and Vice President Central Europe, Google, among others, discussing the links between AI, geopolitics and energy independence. From 13 to 15 February, the Energy Security Hub offered dialogue and discourse on energy security, economic prospects and global cooperation - the key takeaways:
"I really have the hope that this war will stop this year. That our people no longer live in permanent fear, and don't have to spend half of their time in the underground." The power stations in his city were the first infrastructure pillars to be attacked by Russia. A secure infrastructure is a prerequisite for energy security. Turning crises into opportunities to implement new strategies for greater energy security In the face of the pressing global challenges of energy transition, it became clear once again that energy security is not only an economic and geopolitical issue, but is also inextricably linked to social progress, democratic values and economic prosperity. Heike Schneeweis, Member of the Board of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, underlined the importance of energy security and energy system transformation for society: "For us, it's all about moving society forward, because energy system transformation is a huge undertaking for society as a whole. We see it as an engine for social development and the safeguarding of democracy. Practical innovations and visionary perspectives: High-profile speakers in dialogue The Energy Security Hub kicked off with the Innovation Night, which focused on how innovation and cross-border collaboration can drive the transformation of global energy systems. Leo Birnbaum, Chief Executive Officer of E.ON, showed why leveraging European expertise, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks is key to global leadership in energy and technology. Representatives from start-ups such as Terralayr and Milvus Advanced presented their innovative solutions, which are already making a decisive contribution to the energy transition. “The open and collaborative approach that Big Tech companies are taking can serve as a model for other organisations and countries to use external expertise and resources to drive their energy initiatives, tailored to local needs. We should look: There is not just one way forward,” says Dr Heba Aguib, also a Member of the Board of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt. The following day focused on the integral role of energy innovation for European and global security and competitiveness. The focus was on collaboration between the public, private and philanthropic sectors to mobilise resources, scale solutions and strengthen industrial competitiveness. After an opening keynote by Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which focused on the growing global demand for energy and the comeback of nuclear power, as well as the importance of electrification and grid expansion to meet demand, speakers included John Studzinski, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Pimco, Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director, World Bank, and Christian Bruch, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Energy. Saturday morning focused on economic security and industrial policy, public perception and new global partnerships, with Benedetta Berti, Director, Policy Planning, Office of the Secretary General, NATO, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Honorary President and Global Ambassador of the Club of Rome, and Philipp Justus, Country Manager Germany and Vice President Central Europe, Google, among others, discussing the links between AI, geopolitics and energy independence. From 13 to 15 February, the Energy Security Hub offered dialogue and discourse on energy security, economic prospects and global cooperation - the key takeaways:
- Strength through unity
National solo efforts are hampering Europe's climate-neutral energy potential. Cross-border cooperation is needed. - No energy security without cybersecurity
Renewable energy requires the expansion and digitalisation of resilient grids. Protection against cyber-attacks is essential. - Bridging the market gap
Europe's innovations often fail because of a lack of finance to scale up. Too often, capital flows abroad. - Without a strategy, Europe will be left behind
A common energy framework and public investment are needed to attract investors and ensure progress. - Protect democracy
Affordable energy stabilises societies. Acceptance of the energy transition must be strengthened to counter populist narratives.
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