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There are a great deal of open questions about the future supply of fossil energy sources. Whereas the oil- and gas-producing coun­tries generally make optimistic prognoses, numerous renowned scientists consider the time point of maximum oil production (peak oil) to either be imminent or to have already passed.

It is therefore not without reason that peak oil and peak gas are presently at the centre of the debate, as are debates concerning the costs and orientation of future energy supplies. There is a very urgent need for a turning point in energy – that the event organisers are sure of.With the general theme of "A Turning Point in Energy now!", energy from renewable sources is therefore the focus of the lectures and excursions for the International Eco-energy Conference in the South Tyrolean town of Sand in Taufers from 19-21 October 2009. In the picturesque surroundings of South Tyrol's Ahrn Valley, internationally recognised energy experts like Hermann Scheer and the futurologist Franz Josef Radermacher get to the heart of the challenges for future energy supplies.

In addition to the effects of the EU directive on renewable energies and the drawing up of national energy strategies associated with it, a carefully selected range of best-practice examples of municipal implementations will range from exemplary energy projects to current events and developments, such as what is happening on the pellets markets and in the field of geothermia and rapid-growing energy plants.

In the "Mecca of Renewables", the market town of Sand in Taufers, one will be able to see how, through a combined use of renewable energies pointing the way to the future, a long-term supply of energy can be ensured to the inhabitants of the area. This is done by means of an exemplary mix of energy from biomass, biogas, hydroelectric power, photovoltaics, wind energy and programmes both for saving energy and energy efficiency.

The International Eco-energy Conference is meant to contribute toward going beyond boundaries, extending horizons, finding out new things and developing further what is tried-and-trusted.