IVAM Executive Panel, June 2011: Alternative energy policy involves more opportunities than risks

In the next years, electricity costs in Germany may rise as a result of the government’s decision to phase out of nuclear power quickly. Still, representatives of the German microtechnology industry do not only see risks but also new opportunities in the alternative energy policy. It will not only increase the need to exploit new energy sources, but also raise the demand for efficient products and sustainable production methods, which microsystems technology provides. According to industry experts, electricity costs are not generally a critical factor in the microtechnology industry. Although there are areas such as the semiconductor industry where production is energy-intensive, higher power costs would bear an economic risk for just over a third (36 percent) of companies. 41 percent of companies say that they would not be adversely affected by rising energy costs – either because their production methods are not energy-intensive or because they are already efficient.


The IVAM Executive Panel is a group of selected experts and opinion leaders from industry and science.