Study sees billions in potential in decentralized energy

30.09.2025

Source: E & M powernews

In Berlin, the New Energy Alliance presented a study by Roland Berger. According to the study, decentralized energy solutions could generate more than 250 billion euros in benefits by 2045.

Providers from the decentralized energy sector have founded the new corporate alliance "New Energy Alliance" in Berlin. The alliance includes Enpal, 1KOMMA5°, Lichtblick, Octopus Energy, Thermondo and Volkswagen Group Charging (Elli). Together with other partners, they presented a study prepared by consultants Roland Berger in Berlin on September 30, 2025. This puts the overall economic benefit of decentralized energy solutions for Germany at between 185 and 255 billion euros by 2045.

According to the study, which was commissioned by Enpal, technologies such as photovoltaic systems with battery storage, heat pumps and electromobility solutions could become a mainstay of the energy system. Roland Berger comes to the conclusion that this not only reduces investment and operating costs, but also creates regional added value. Furthermore, around 100,000 additional jobs could be created by 2045.

Cost savings for end consumers

The authors see the greatest impact on consumers. Private households and small to medium-sized companies could reduce their energy costs by around 50 percent in the long term. According to the study, this corresponds to annual savings of up to 1,200 euros for households. Savings result from the direct use of locally generated electricity and lower grid costs.

Marc Sauthoff, Senior Partner at Roland Berger, explained that decentralized energy solutions can make an important contribution to a cost-efficient energy system that is less dependent on fossil fuels. "Germany already has a strong industry that can grow considerably over the next few years if the right political framework conditions are in place," he said.

Adapting political requirements

The alliance emphasizes that the added value can only be achieved with clear political guidelines. According to the alliance, this includes the digitalization of the energy market, the adjustment of grid fees, the expansion of smart grids and the introduction of bidirectional charging. An accelerated expansion of renewable energies is also necessary in order to combine centralized and decentralized solutions.

According to the study's calculations, the savings in grid expansion could amount to up to 40 percent. Redispatch costs resulting from interventions in the grid could also be reduced by around 40 percent. The annual added value contribution of decentralized systems is estimated at up to 13 billion euros.

Integrating decentralized solutions into the system

Representatives of the participating companies reiterated the call for greater integration of decentralized solutions. Benjamin Merle-Oberheide, Head of Strategy at Enpal, spoke of the "low hanging fruit" of the energy transition. Philipp Schröder, CEO of Einskommafünfgrad, warned that grid expansion costs would rise without flexible consumers. Lichtblick CEO Marc Wallraff emphasized that decentralized solutions could generate billions of euros in added value.

Bastian Gierull from Octopus Energy also emphasized that heat pumps and e-cars are ready for use today and that delayed decisions are a direct burden on households. For Giovanni Palazzo, CEO of Volkswagen Group Charging, the potential lies above all in electromobility combined with bidirectional charging. Representatives of the housing industry, such as Vonovia, point to savings in ancillary costs through photovoltaics and heat pumps.

The "New Energy Alliance" wants to use the study to influence the political debate on the future structure of the energy system. The Alliance believes that neither purely centralized nor exclusively decentralized solutions are sufficient. Only the interaction of large-scale renewable plants, conventional power plants and decentralized systems can ensure security of supply and economic efficiency.

The study "Overall cost-efficient energy mix for Germany" is available on the Internet.

Author: Susanne Harmsen