Introduction

In his introduction to the topic of the symposium, Martin Czakainski, etv Energieverlag GmbH, Essen, pointed out that the energy-policy turnaround contains opportunities and benefits but also risks. Traditional economic sectors such as the skilled trades, construction, machine building, shipyards and ports could be part of the expansion of wind power, photovoltaics, biomass etc. On the other hand, additional costs may accrue and lead to job losses if companies move manufacturing abroad because of expensive and unreliable energy supplies. If policy-makers succeed in assuring efficiency, supply security and the protection of industrial sites, taking into consideration climate protection and technological risks, the German energy-policy turnaround of 2011 could serve as a blueprint for other countries.