Security of supply supersedes climate protection

27.10.2025

Source: E & M powernews

National energy independence and security of supply are considered more important than the transition to renewables, according to the "Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025."

In the run-up to the 30th World Climate Conference (COP30) in Brazil in November, the Siemens Smart Infrastructure unit presented the "Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025". The most important finding: national energy independence and security of supply are currently seen as more important than phasing out fossil fuels.

The biennial Siemens study is based on a survey of 1,400 managers and government representatives from 19 countries. It examines the progress of the infrastructure transition in the areas of energy, industry and buildings.

The study highlights a fundamental shift among managers - "away from a multilateral vision of clean energy towards an approach that is increasingly focused on national resilience and regional production", according to Siemens.

According to the study, the importance of a resilient energy supply has increased significantly compared to 2023: it is now considered the most important goal of government infrastructure policy, having been in third place two years previously. 62% of respondents are convinced that future energy systems will be more dependent on local or regional production - and less on global trade.

The respondents see increasing geopolitical uncertainty as a key risk factor for markets and supply chains. To prevent energy from being used as a political bargaining chip, many governments are moving away from a globally coordinated climate policy and are increasingly focusing on national strategies for security and resilience.

AI and digitalization play a central role

Matthias Rebellius, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of the Smart Infrastructure division, emphasizes: "The infrastructure transformation is entering a new phase in which national energy security goals are more important than global cooperation on decarbonization." Resilience is not an option, but a necessity. AI and digitalization play a central role in this because they control energy flows more efficiently and make the supply more secure, says Rebellius.

In contrast, optimism about climate protection is decreasing. Only 37% of respondents expect to achieve their decarbonization targets by 2030, compared to 44% in 2023. At the same time, 57% expect investments in fossil fuels to increase in the short term. This development shows that many companies see the transition as a longer-term process and are focusing on security of supply in the short term.

According to Siemens, digitalization remains the decisive factor for the energy transition. Over 70 percent of respondents in the energy sector rate digital technologies - particularly AI, grid software and smart meters - as essential for the transformation. Three quarters already see AI as making an important contribution to strengthening infrastructure security.

Against the backdrop of the geopolitical situation, the study calls on politicians to firmly integrate energy resilience, grid investments and digital technologies into national climate strategies. Without a close interlinking of infrastructure, technology and regulation, there is a risk of backsliding on climate targets and energy supply security.

The "Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025" can be downloaded as a PDF or read interactively on the Siemens website.

Author: Stefan Sagmeister