At the IBM research laboratory in Rüschlikon the insights gained from many years of research on perovskites were instrumental in sparking the idea of searching for superconductivity in oxides. It was a combination of key personal experiences, important decisions, and a supportive scientific environment that led to the decision to embark on a risky endeavor. Following the discovery of superconductivity in La-Ba-Cu-Oxide, it took only a short time for the initial skeptical reactions to give way to confirmation by the international research community. Further discoveries led to euphoric predictions about applications that due to the material’s specific properties, initially appeared unfeasible. Today, after nearly four decades of research and development, the new copper-oxide-based superconductors have now achieved the status of high-performance materials, as foundation of growing superconductor industry with a wide range of applications. With its compelling advantages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy and for efficient industrial processes, high Tc technology has the potential to impact the entire energy sector. Here it could make a significant contribution to the energy transition for an all-electric society and to combat the environmental problems associated with climate change.