Associations call for a more favorable energy transition

29.09.2025

Source: E & M powernews

At a meeting in Berlin in preparation for the conference of energy ministers, associations called for more cost control and planning security for the energy transition.

On September 29, an association meeting was held in Berlin in the run-up to the conference of energy ministers in Stralsund at the beginning of December. Industry representatives made clear demands of the federal and state governments. The focus was on the costs of the energy transition, the role of gas and hydrogen and the future integration of bioenergy.

BDEW calls for better investment conditions

The Managing Director of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) called the meeting a "recent but useful tradition for mastering the major transformation tasks". Kerstin Andreae emphasized the energy industry's major contribution to climate protection through greenhouse gas reductions. "However, the transformation does not come for free," she continued.

In order to cope with the considerable investments over the coming decades, investments from the international capital market are necessary. "To do this, we need to offer competitive and attractive returns in an international comparison," said Andreae. Therefore, adjustments to the Federal Network Agency's remuneration system (NEST process) are urgently needed. "As the energy industry, we have made proposals in this process to save costs, for example by better coordinating the expansion of renewable energies and the grids," Andreae recalled. Offshore expansion could also be made more cost-efficient and new power lines could be laid as overhead lines instead of underground cables. However, the transformation costs are also investments in climate protection and energy sovereignty and independence in geopolitically turbulent times, she concluded.

DIHK calls for the involvement of the federal states

On behalf of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Deputy Managing Director Achim Dercks referred to a recent study commissioned by the association. According to the study, the costs of the energy transition could reach up to 5.4 trillion euros if the current course is continued unchanged. "These costs cannot be borne by our economy and our country," said Dercks. He called for a stronger focus on market mechanisms, openness to technology and a reduction in bureaucracy. The federal states would also have to contribute to this.

One focus of his presentation was the capture and storage of CO2 (carbon capture and storage, CCS). CCS is indispensable for the transformation of industry. This requires the rapid development of a transportation and storage infrastructure. "The costs for storage on land are up to 70 percent cheaper than under the North Sea or abroad.

The federal states should therefore make use of the existing opening clause and not stand in the way of onshore storage," explained Dercks. He also spoke out in favor of retaining the German-Luxembourg electricity price zone. According to the DIHK, a split would lead to higher electricity prices and additional burdens on industry. Grid bottlenecks should instead be addressed via dynamic and regionally differentiated grid fees.

Gas industry relies on secure supply

The gas and hydrogen industry also had its say. Timm Kehler, CEO of the association "Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft" (DGWW), emphasized that acceptance of the energy transition could only be secured by combining climate protection and competitiveness. He spoke out in favor of long-term gas procurement, a clear strategy for the use of storage facilities and the rapid expansion of LNG terminals. This was the only way to keep electricity and gas prices stable and secure industrial jobs.

With regard to the hydrogen ramp-up, Kehler advocated a close link with CCS. "Hydrogen and CO2 storage are not opposites, but a double opportunity for climate protection and competitiveness," he said.

Making greater use of bioenergy

Sandra Rostek, Head of the Capital Office Bioenergy (Berlin), emphasized the importance of bioenergy. She referred to the urgent need for action in the heat and electricity sector. Although the recently adopted biomass package will help many plants, not all operators will be able to implement the new regulations. "The situation is particularly critical for biogas plants from the years 2004 to 2006. Without transitional regulations, there is a risk of shutdowns and a loss of capacities that are needed for security of supply," warned Rostek.

According to Rostek, the current heating legislation also urgently needs to be revised. Overly complex and sometimes contradictory regulations were slowing down investment. "Instead of providing clarity and guidance, the legislation creates uncertainty. This is slowing down the heating transition," she said. The German government has already announced simplifications, but the support of the energy ministers is crucial.

Author: Susanne Harmsen