Responsible advocacy of interests and VERBUND positions

Dialogue with political and societal decision makers is an essential element of sustainable corporate governance. With our positions, we would like to contribute towards solving policy challenges regarding energy and the environment. Therefore we would also like to make our expert knowledge available for developing stable and fair framework conditions for our energy future.

Energylab in Altötting on the topic “Shaping the Energy Future Regionally”, hosted by VERBUND with cooperation partners from Bavaria and Austria:

Downloads

Energy lab brochure
pdf 3.9 MB
Code of Conduct Representation of Interests
pdf 22.8 kB
Responsible representation of interests regarding our stakeholder-groups is of utmost importance for VERBUND. Our most important stakeholders in the representation of interests are the decision-makers and leading experts in the fields of politics and administration in Austria, Germany and in the European Union as well as expert organisations, associations and other interest groups, such as environmental groups. We endeavour to regularly exchange ideas regarding energy and environmental-related political subjects with these groups.

When it comes to its relations with stakeholders, VERBUND itself has clear objectives regarding a transparent and responsible representation of interests and states: we orientate ourselves according to substantive positions and apply our knowledge constructively to the decision-making process. We commit ourselves to a responsible and sustainable representation of our interests in accordance with our corporate mission statement and our basic values.
 

Engaging in Dialogue

We are committed to engaging in regular dialogue with the broadest possible base of stakeholder groups. Here, we provide information via different channels on energy policy developments, enter into a discourse on current and future challenges for the energy industry and offer constructive suggestions for solutions. In the following, you can find an overview of the most important dialogue formats in VERBUND’s special interest group.

With the event series entitled "Energy Breakfast – A Dialog with VERBUND", VERBUND aims to draw attention to energy and climate policy-relevant topics, to discuss these and actively participate in formulating possible solutions for energy policy challenges. In addition to a "Keynote Speech" (e.g. the presentation of a new study), each event also offers a discussion with high-ranking panellists from politics and the economy as well as energy experts, and includes audience involvement.

"Power Facts" stand for the transfer of knowledge to decision-makers in politics, administration and the economy. This VERBUND medium is sent out three times a year to our stakeholders in Austria, Germany (with a focus on Bavaria) and the EU institutions.
In the "Power Facts" we address current energy policy issues. In a brief format, the challenges facing the energy and electricity sector are presented and our views are conveyed. In addition, there are also facts on VERBUND and information on upcoming events.

Power Facts February 2017 (German only)

Power Facts July 2017 (German only)

Power Facts December 2017 (German only)

Power Facts November 2018 (German only)

VERBUND is offering an interactive event format in the form of an ideas workshop, where suggestions for solutions to concrete energy policy questions are developed. The participants are, for example, selected students from the ideas workshop on the future of energy in November 2014 in Munich and are occupied with current challenges and making their solutions visible and tangible. They are supported by experts from the energy industry. With this format we are attempting to generate innovative ideas for the future of energy and find answers to current questions.
In November 2014, VERBUND, together with the Bavarian Ministry of Finance, the Technical University of Vienna and Advantage Austria organised the ideas workshop for the future of energy to together "guarantee the security of supply". In the process, answers to the central question of "how can Bavaria and Austria together guarantee the security of supply in the new era?" as well as other questions were explored. The results were presented as part of the Energy Congress Bavaria-Austria on 1 December 2014 in Munich and are available in the form of short films.
The main film provides insight into the methods used by the ideas workshop and shows interviews with experts from Austria and Bavaria, who assist the students during their brainstorming as well as while they test their prototypes. The individual presentation of ideas shows the summary of the solution suggestions developed by the students.
We are consistently striving to foster an open dialogue with environmental organisations such as Greenpeace, Global 2000, WWF and Climate Alliance. Chairman of the Board Wolfgang Anzengruber regularly invites representatives from the biggest environmental organisations to a round table discussion. Here, current topics are discussed, shared interests are explored and further initiatives are agreed on.

For example, a collaborative energy policy position paper was thus developed prior to the parliamentary elections in 2013, and a study project on e-mobility based 100% on electricity from renewable energy sources was carried out.

> Study on e-mobility (: ATKEARNEY and TU Vienna)

> Presentation on the study
 

Our positions

Whoever takes on responsibility, has to also openly and honestly vouch for their point of view. We would like to present our positions on important current energy- and climate-related policy topics here. We have drawn them up in a short and concise manner. If you would like to receive further information regarding this, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

The traffic sector is responsible for 28% of the greenhouse gas emissions in Austria, and is mainly dependent on natural gas imports. A growing proportion of electrically driven cars on Austria's roads can counteract this and at the same time provide economic impulses.

VERBUND position: Electromobility

Hydropower is the most significant renewable and CO2-free energy source in Austria, and plays a key role in electricity generation. About 65% of the domestic electricity generation comes from hydropower – an essential contribution to climate protection. But hydropower is facing great challenges. It is imperative to strengthen its competitiveness in order to fully utilise its potential for the energy revolution.

VERBUND position: Hydropower

The degree of digitalisation of all areas of life is increasing rapidly. The energy sector is no exception. In order to keep pace with ongoing development, strategies and standards are vital for the energy sector.

VERBUND position: Digitalisation

The massive and continuing expansion of new renewable generation (particularly wind and solar) is placing higher demands on system management, because the electricity feed into the grid always has to be in balance with the draw from it. Here, often not just the respective generated amount is a problem, but also the distance between generation and consumption. It will be necessary to greatly expand the storage capacities, on the one hand for providing flexibility for stabilising the grid, but on the other hand also to avoid excessive curtailment of usually government sponsored green electricity facilities, for optimising grid expansion, and as a back-up for generation during low-wind and low-sunlight phases. Energy storage facilities are also essential for coupling various sectors in terms of integrated energy provision.

VERBUND position: Storage

Sector coupling or sectoral integration are terms for cross-linking various sectors of the energy industry with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions as much as possible and increasing energy efficiency by means of electrification on the basis of renewable energy sources. Electricity and heat supply, traffic and industrial processes should be viewed in conjunction and as a result mutually complement one another. A holistic approach is appropriate and necessary here, calling for collaboration beyond the boundaries of individual sectors.

VERBUND position: Sector coupling

As part of innovation and research projects, VERBUND is working on the production of green hydrogen, which can subsequently be used as a raw material for industry and also as a fuel for mobility or as a storage medium for electricity from renewable energy sources. In this way, surplus electricity from renewable energy sources, e.g. volatile wind energy, can be stored or used in industry: a perfect example of coupling sectors, which will be crucial for decarbonising the energy sector, industry and transport.

VERBUND position: Hydrogen

During the coming legislative period, important energy policy decisions need to be made and the course set. These decisions are of central importance to Austria as a location, and should therefore be underpinned by broad acceptance. With this statement of position, VERBUND hopes to contribute impetus for setting the agenda.

VERBUND position: Energy future 2017-2022

Studies & Expert Assessment

In the interest of generating current figures and data as well as scientific knowledge about topics relating to energy politics, VERBUND regularly takes part in studies and assessments relevant to the enterprise. Our experts contribute their know-how and experience in the process. Here, you can find a selection of studies that were commissioned by VERBUND. 

Hydropower makes a significant contribution to Europe's economy, to the reliability of the electricity supply and to climate protection. This is shown very clearly by the study "The hydropower sector's contribution to a sustainable and prosperous Europe". The study presents new data and facts on the economic value of hydropower for Europe as a whole.
A consortium of 21 leading hydropower companies and associations in Europe, headed and coordinated by VERBUND, commissioned the internationally renowned consulting firm DNV GL to conduct the study. The participating companies represent about 95% of the hydropower output in Europe (EU 28, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey). EURELECTRIC and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) were involved in the project as cooperation partners.

To get electromobility off the ground, the main requirement is electricity. If this is drawn from renewable energy sources, then electromobility should significantly reduce CO2 emissions. But how great are the reductions, and what other ecological effects are there? Which economic effects are possible? Is 100% electricity from renewable energy sources for e-mobility economically feasible? What are the determining factors for this? These questions were investigated in the study "100% electricity from renewable energy sources for e-mobility", which was conducted on behalf of VERBUND by A.T. Kearney and the TU Vienna.


> Results

> Study report

Memberships

Membership and participation in associations and professional organisations form an important component of responsible special interest groups. VERBUND is therefore represented in numerous associations in order to share its knowledge and interests in the best possible manner, but also to generate (specialised) knowledge that can be valuable for the company’s further development.
The focus here lies on national special interest groups, as well as scientific institutions and professional associations. When it comes to special interest groups, aspects such as transparency, clarity and responsibility are of particular importance to us. VERBUND’s memberships are therefore aligned with our corporate philosophy and the principles for responsible special interest groups.

VERBUND and companies in the VERBUND group are represented in the following organisations, among others:

In addition, thanks to a nomination by Oesterreichs Energie (OE), VERBUND employees are also active on the boards of EURELECTRIC and other European special interest groups.

Contact Persons

roland langthaler legislative affairs VERBUND Roland Langthaler

Legislative Affairs

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