Advances in Energy Conversion and Conditioning Technologies (ECCT), exploiting new power electronic systems, energy conversion devices and system control regimes, are all fundamental and crucial to the development of the clean, efficient and sustainable technology of the future.

Over 50 % of the European, Japanese and North-American electric energy consumption passes through electronic conversion and conditioning equipment.  This exploitation of ECCT increases steadily. Next to the improved behaviour of systems, the reduced energy consumption is a key factor, helping to achieve the Kyoto requirements and to address key issues related to the reduction of Greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions in industrial processes and transport; to increase the use of renewable energy sources and to allow their integration in the grid.

Most of the electricity production based on alternative energy sources must undergo conditioning through ECCT equipment before use. ECCT is also a major means to achieve enhanced competitiveness of all industrial processes. Basic ECCT technologies alone constitute a world market estimated at multi-billion Euro value of which the EU has a 40% share. Significantly, ECCT is a core enabling technology providing the central electrical, control, diagnostic and management systems.

The EPE 2009 conference will offer a wide discussion forum on all topics related to these aspects under the special moto “Power Electronics and Adjustable Speed Drives for industrial applications”.