A group of smiling people in front of a power plant on a turquoise blue background

Next.Energy. 2026

The Energy Conference on 17 March in Munich

Digital transformation of the energy industry

MaibornWolff, Microsoft, and AXXCON Management Consultants are jointly organizing the conference on the digital transformation of the energy industry at the power plant. The energy sector is facing its biggest transformation ever. Decentralized generation, volatile markets, and new players require intelligent, networked systems. Without digitalization, there can be no successful transformation.

But the digital transformation of the energy industry is more than a technological challenge—it is an ecosystem task. Transmission system operators must communicate with distribution networks. Producers need interfaces to flexibility markets. Industrial customers are becoming active participants in the grid. And above all, the question remains:

How do we keep critical infrastructures secure and ensure security of supply?

The future is created through interaction

While traditional business models are coming under pressure, new opportunities are emerging: virtual power plants are bundling thousands of decentralized systems. AI is optimizing grid operation in real time. Cloud platforms are enabling scalability and agility. Flexibility is becoming a decisive factor for a stable, efficient energy system. But the path to get there is complex – and no one can walk it alone.

Next.Energy. creates the space for precisely this dialogue. This is where visionaries and pragmatists, technology providers and users, established players and start-ups come together. Here, best practices are not only shared, but obstacles are also openly identified.

Smiling man with glasses wearing a brown suit and white T-shirt

This is where the network that truly drives digital transformation is being created.

Tassilo Wolff, Smart Energy Innovation Consultant

We ask the right question

Next.Energy. brings together decision-makers from network operation, generation, technology, and industry to discuss pressing issues:

How do we control a highly complex, decentralized energy system?
What role do AI, cloud, and data platforms play?
How can we achieve cybersecurity while ensuring security of supply?
How do we tap into and manage flexibility across the entire system?
Which business models support digital transformation?
What can we learn from international markets?

The power plant on Drygalski Allee in Munich, surrounded by green space, stands out against the clear blue sky.

Be part of the digital transformation of the energy industry!

Speakers at Next.Energy.

A smiling woman on a turquoise blue background

Kathrin Günther

CTO of TenneT Germany:
Leading the digital change – Digitalization from the perspective of a transmission system operator

Merlind Schatz

Chief Financial Officer of Octopus Energy Germany: How micro-flexibilities support the grid: Octopus Energy on the Redispatch 3.0 market

A smiling man on a turquoise blue background

Stefan Müller

Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of enerparc AG: Current cyber security situation at large PV plants

Two smiling men on a turquoise blue background

Burkhard Holder & Maik Neubauer

Senate of Economy Germany and Partner Energy & Critical Infrastructures, AXXCON Management Consultants: “A look beyond the wall – energy transition in China”

Heinrich Gärtner

Founder and Managing Director of GP Joule Wärme: “Digitalization and AI as enablers of the energy transition”

Dr. Holger Klaassen

Director Corporate Energy Climate Affairs | Aurubis: System costs of the energy transition/challenges and solutions from the perspective of energy-intensive industry

Miriam Bader

Head of Innovation at NetzeBW
The future needs strong networks—and bold innovations: from drones to AI

People are sitting on chairs in a hall and looking at a stage lit in blue and pink.