What does the energy infrastructure of the future look like?
This central question was at the heart of the Forum Econogy 2025, held under the guiding theme “Solutions for the Energy Infrastructure of the Future.” The event brought together researchers, companies, and decision-makers to discuss innovative approaches and concrete pathways toward a sustainable energy future. With a record number of participants, the conference was characterized by fascinating scientific insights and inspiring discussions. The forum was opened by Rector Stefan Koch, Leonhard Schitter (Energie AG OÖ), Josef Siligan (Linz AG), and Robert Tichler (Energieinstitut an der JKU Linz).
Among the program highlights were presentations by Stephan Bauer (RAG Austria AG) on hydrogen storage as part of future energy systems and Klaus Kaschnitz (Austrian Power Grid AG) on European large-scale disturbances and system development.
In the subsequent panel discussion on the energy infrastructure of the future, Johannes Reichl (Energieinstitut an der JKU Linz), Stephan Bauer (RAG Austria AG), Klaus Kaschnitz (Austrian Power Grid AG), and Anton Forschauer (Member of the Upper Austrian Parliament) discussed current challenges and opportunities.
Further insights were provided by Simon Moser with the project Future Heat Highway and Karin Fazeni-Fraisl on measuring social sustainability in energy innovations. The event concluded with the presentation of the Friedrich Schneider Young Researcher Award 2025 to Josef Steinegger (KELAG AG), and the introduction of innovative projects in the Research Spotlights — featuring contributions by Elvira Lutter (WIVA P&G), Stefanie Kritzinger-Griebler (RISC Software GmbH), and Stefan Strömer (Austrian Institute of Technology).
Special thanks go to all speakers, panel participants, and opening session guests — and, of course, to everyone who took part in Forum Econogy 2025!
The presentations are available for download below (in German only):
Elvira Lutter, WIVA P&G: von Österreichs H-Vorzeigeregion zum Hydrogen Valley