Message of Greeting by Rainer Brüderle - Federal Minister of Economics and Technology

Our energy supply is something that interests all of us. We are all moved by energy! So energy policy has traditionally been at the heart of our public and political debate. Once we emerge from the global economic and financial crisis, the focus will return to questions of achieving security, environmental compatibility and economic viability as we provide and consume energy.

The increasing global consumption of energy and global warming are challenges to which we need to respond with a sense of proportion. I therefore advocate an energy policy which is nonideological, open to different technologies, and market-oriented. Greater conservation and increased efficiency in the use of energy are steps in the right direction. A further step is the increased use of renewables. On our route to a sustainable energy supply, we need to deploy the available forms of energy and technologies in a responsible manner.

New technologies are helping us – with conventional forms of energy, with renewables, and with using energy more efficiently. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology therefore supports the participation of young firms at joint German stands at key international trade fairs. These innovative companies need a platform on which they can present their new products and processes. The “E-world energy & water” trade Fair offers an outstanding opportunity for this.

And the concept of trade fair shows just how important innovative technologies are in the energy sector. A new focus, “smart energy”, has been introduced this year. Intelligent power grids, intelligent electricity meters, the networking of household technology and electrical appliances – these are just a few of the aspects involved. The expectations placed in such developments – energy efficiency, economic viability, security and comfort – are high. They offer great opportunities which we need to utilise. German firms play a leading role in energy and climate protection technologies. We can build on this. I believe that this field can deliver a significant stimulus for growth and jobs in Germany.

This is now the tenth year of “E-world energy & water”. My heartfelt congratulations go to you on this anniversary! I wish the organisers, exhibitors and visitors informative days and successful meetings.

Rainer Brüderle
Federal Minister of Economics and Technology