World Energy Council Austria: Looking back on the 83rd General Assembly

Looking back on the 83rd General Assembly of the World Energy Council Austria

Organised by World Energy Council Austria

On Thursday, 20 November 2025, held at the headquarters of APG Austrian Power Grid AG.

Energy policy, competitiveness, and security of supply were the focus of the 83rd General Assembly of the World Energy Council Austria.

Following the official agenda of the General Assembly, a lively and highly engaging panel took place on the topic “Energy Efficiency – the Sleeping Giant.”

Under the moderation of World Energy Council Austria President Michael Strugl.

The panellists:

• State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner
• APG CEO Gerhard Christiner
• Infineon Technologies Austria CEO Sabine E. Herlitschka
• Voestalpine COO Franz Kainersdorfer

Discussed the following timely topics:

Every kilowatt hour saved helps reduce costs and lower the CO₂ footprint. The upcoming new Electricity Industry Act (ELWG) is intended to create the framework to stabilise or ease the cost factor of electricity for competitiveness. At the same time, it should incentivise measures that can reduce specific energy consumption. Infineon Technologies and voestalpine are exemplary Austrian companies that demonstrate, both in their own production processes and in their products, that greater energy efficiency is an absolute necessity for ensuring their future viability. And APG knows that intelligent, efficient management of the power grid can stabilise system costs despite massive expansion plans.

It is therefore essential to increase efficiency across all elements of the system, expand storage capabilities, and diversify our energy supply in order to become more resilient. And above all, we need more electricity that is secure, clean, and affordable.

Many thanks to APG for their warm hospitality and to all panellists for the fascinating insights!

Read more information about the event here.