Embassy Energy Talk at the British Embassy

In September we were delighted to host our most recent Energy Embassy Talk “The Road to Net Zero Energy: Insights from the United Kingdom and Austria” at the British Embassy Vienna.

The event brought together experts from the UK and Austria to explore how we can accelerate decarbonisation, integrate renewables, and ensure flexibility in our energy systems on the road to net zero energy.
A heartfelt thank you to H.E. Lindsay Skoll, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, for graciously hosting this event at her stunning residence and for her very warm welcome. After opening remarks by . Michael Strugl, this edition of the Embassy Energy Talks, moderated by Gerhard Gamperl offered a fascinating mix of perspectives:

Alfonso Martinez-Felipe (University of Aberdeen) highlighted the Hydrogen Valley in North-East Scotland as a tangible example of how sustainable hydrogen production can drive local and national energy transition.
Barbara Schmidt (Oesterreichs Energie) underscored that Austria’s 2030 100% renewable goals are ambitious but within reach, though success will require both political will and proactive system integration.
Andrew Horsley (Innovate UK) shared insights from the UK’s innovation programmes, noting the future potential role of small modular reactors (SMRs) as low-carbon stabilisers that could complement renewables.
Tara Esterl (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology) reminded us that flexibility is key both on the user side and in the grids. Smarter tariffs, energy savings, and digitalisation must go hand in hand with infrastructure expansion.
The event concluded that collaboration among academia, policy, and industry remains the strongest asset in achieving a secure, sustainable, and integrated energy future.

A big thank you to everyone participating in this fruitful exchange of ideas and momentum and especially to all speakers and our partners from the British Embassy Sabrina Keissl, Marina Delegán and Daniel Matthews who made this event possible!