Afternoon 13:30h - 15:30h

WORKSHOP 1 Managing Innovation - Corporate Investments in Renewable Energies
How can traditional energy companies succeed in the fast moving renewable energy market? How do managers decide in a market with high technological and political uncertainty? And what can we learn from best practices? These questions was discussed from an industry and a scientific perspective by a team of leading experts in this field.

Impulse speeches:
Renato Sturani, Alpiq Holding AG
Nadeschda Hoidn Wiede, EWZ
Dr. phil. Daniel Hausmann, University of Zürich

Moderation:
Elmar Friedrich, University of St.Gallen
(in German)


WORKSHOP 2 On the way to regional energy independence - the role of social acceptance
What are the pre-conditions for the vision of regional energy independence in the Lake Constance region to become true? How to convince the citizens? Based on the results of a survey in the Lake Constance region, an exchange of experiences of policy makers took place.

Impulse speeches:
Peter Vadasz, City of Güssing
Fredy Brunner, City of St.Gallen

Moderation:
Sylviane Chassot, University of St.Gallen
(in German)


WORKSHOP 3 Beyond the Financials: The Role of Qualitative Factors in Photovoltaic Project Finance
The turmoil in capital markets has significantly changed the rules in large-scale photovoltaic project finance. The competition for available capital has increased. Banks and equity providers are increasingly in the position to cherry-pick in project selection. In project design different parameters exist that influence the probability of funding and capital cost. Technical design and financial planning are extremely important, but what about other, more qualitative factors? What role do specifically module and inverter brands play in that context, also with regard to aspects such as reliability and quality of delivery as well as specific value-added services (e.g. leasing and financing models)?
Core Question: What role do qualitative factors play in the current and future financial context of large-scale photovoltaic projects?

Impulse speeches:
Valentin Ade, Colexon
Sebastian Olbert, goetzpartners
Christian Kümmerling, Wealth Management Capital Holding GmbH
Marcus Rist, ACCELIOS Solar GmbH

Moderation:
Nina Hampl, University St.Gallen
Florian Luedeke-Freund, Leuphana University Lüneburg
(in German)


WORKSHOP 4 Competitive Business Models for Smart Grids
Smart grids promise to provide huge business opportunities. But today it is still not clear what business models will be successful within a smart grid energy future. Based on elevator speeches of leading companies in the field of smart grids, participants found answers to following essential questions for competitive smart grid business models: What value could smart grids provide commercial or private customers? What resources do companies need to exploit market potential for smart grids? What are revenue models for Smart Grids and how can companies make money out of smart grids? 

Impulse speeches:
Hans Curtius (University of St.Gallen): Customer Value of Smart Grids: Results of a cross-border HSG-study from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Lichtenstein
Dr. Frank Baumgärtner (Terajoule, CEO): Cornerstones of competitive business models from the perspective of Terajoule
Peter Hübinger (Miele & Cie. KG, Head of Manufacturing Electronics "Werk Electronic"): Potential of cross-linked home appliances within smart grids
Stefan Söchtig (Technische Werke Friedrichshafen GmbH, CEO & Project Manager T-City): „Smart Meter ‚Plus‘ - Business models of a utility company and experiences from the T-City Friedrichshafen“

Moderation:
Dr. HSG Moritz Loock
(in German)


WORKSHOP 5 Doing Good and Earning Money - Swiss Clean Technologies in Developing Countries
Cleantech made in Switzerland is highly demanded - especially abroad. And this does not only hold for large corporations in industrial nations but also for small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and NGOs within joint development efforts. Swiss technology can contribute to the solution of problems such as insufficient access to energy, water, medical treatment, etc. around the globe, already today. We discussed if and how SME technology providers from Switzerland can successfully implement and financially sustainable spread technologies within the difficult environment of developing regions. By doing so, the question of financing – privately or by government support – was considered: How to get started? Which financial partners exist? Who finances which endeavour? What financial, social and environmental impact can be realised? And finally, are small and medium sized companies and organisations able to sustainably do business in developing countries and – at the same time – tackle fundamental challenges?

Impulse speeches:
Stefan Nowak, REPIC
Regula Ritter, responsAbility
Lars Willi, TRUNZ Water Systems

Moderation:
Nicola Blum, Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
Christoph Birkholz, University of St.Gallen
(in English)


WORKSHOP 6 Successful Business Models for Solar Energy - Before and After Grid Parity

Solar energy is popular. In Switzerland, the sun is the second most favoured energy source, followed by hydropower. However, solar power is still considerably more expensive than the conventional energy mix. Therefore, there is a large discrepancy between citizens who favor solar energy and those who install solar panels on their homes or buy solar power from power utilities. Still, prices are declining rapidly and ideas on solar energy find positive responses among the general public. In the workshop, the following questions were discussed:
- What are the barriers for private households and energy utilities to invest in solar power? To what extent can cantons and/or towns provide support?

- What happens when grid parity is reached? Will subsidies still be needed, and, if yes, in what form? What would it mean for utilities if a lot people have their own solar energy and buy much less power? What are the most promising business models for solar power companies?

Impulse speeches:
Heinz Rieder (City of St. Antönien)
Franz Bürgi (sol-e)
Dr. René Burkhard (swissgrid ag, Switzerland)
David Stickelberger (Swissolar)

Moderation:
Dr. HSG Sonja Lüthi
(in German)