As far as structural change is concerned the Ruhr is playing a pioneering role in Europe: these days the former monument to coal, steel and energy is at the cutting edge of research into and the development and application of new and renewables-based energies. Taking the title “EnergieKulturRuhr” (Ruhr Energy Culture), RWE demonstrated during the 2010 Capital of Culture year just how the shift in our handling of energy in all its various forms might end up looking.

Reason enough to deliberate on a new energy culture and its consequences... The climate is changing and resources are becoming ever scarcer, while the energy consumption of an exploding global population continues to grow. New technologies for the sustainable production of energy are needed in order to compete with this huge demand while having minimum environmental impact. It is essential that we in Europe, not to mention the rest of the world, change our attitude to energy. But what will be the energy supplies of the future? Will the necessary changes usher in cultural and social change – creating a new “EuropeanEnergyCulture”? Hosting a range of events, RWE sought ground-breaking answers to these and other intriguing questions.

The climax of “EnergieKulturRuhr” was a podium discussion involving international experts from a variety of disciplines on 1^st July 2010 in Essen. With that, RWE initiated the move towards a new culture of energy in Europe – and one that will extend beyond the end of the Capital of Culture year.