BDEW calls for a resilience strategy for the energy sector

05.09.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) is pushing for a national resilience strategy to protect energy infrastructures and supply chains.

In a discussion paper, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) calls for the energy sector's resilience to be strengthened. Under the title "Resilience in the energy sector: fields of action and requirements", the association calls on the German government to develop a comprehensive resilience strategy. According to BDEW, there is a particular need for action in protecting critical infrastructures, strengthening European supply chains, dealing with climate risks and financing and involving society.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has made it clear that resilience is a key prerequisite for security of supply. The association sees resilience not only as an energy policy task, but also as a security, geopolitical and industrial policy task. "Resilience in the energy sector must be considered systemically," said BDEW Managing Director Kerstin Andreae. A triad of prevention, preparation for crisis management and continuous monitoring is necessary. The aim is an energy system that can absorb shocks, recover quickly and adapt to changing conditions.

Special protection for critical infrastructures

The association is calling for special attention to be paid to the protection of critical infrastructures (KRITIS). This requires clear responsibilities, less bureaucracy and practical implementation of European directives. Andreae also emphasized the importance of a secure communications infrastructure. By setting up a 450 MHz network, the energy industry has created a basis for this.

In the electricity sector, the association believes that the transformation towards renewable energies is well underway. However, new hydrogen-capable gas-fired power plants with combined heat and power generation are needed to ensure a secure supply even when there is a lack of wind and solar power being fed into the grid. A capacity market should be introduced by 2028 at the latest. At the same time, the association is calling for systemic incentives for flexibility, accelerated digitalization and the expansion of grids and system services.

Securing raw materials and technologies

According to BDEW, dependencies on key components and raw materials are also increasingly coming into focus. In addition to known dependencies for photovoltaic modules and storage systems, this also affects other technologies. The association refers to the EU's Net Zero Industry Act, which provides incentives for European production. What is needed is a strengthening of European production capacities and strategies to secure critical raw materials.

For gaseous energy sources, the BDEW emphasizes the importance of diversified supplies and efficient storage facilities. These could cushion seasonal fluctuations and ensure system stability. Procurement should lie with the companies, but realistic demand scenarios and reliable framework conditions are required.

The association sees hydrogen as an important contribution to resilience. Investments in infrastructure, demand development and storage options are necessary. Biomethane could also make a contribution, as it is renewable, storable and can be integrated into existing grids.

The BDEW also emphasizes the need to incorporate climate risks more strongly into the planning and operation of infrastructure. According to the association, German energy companies support the EU Commission's initiative for a Europe-wide framework for climate risk management.

To enable companies to implement the necessary measures, the association is calling for reliable framework conditions and suitable financing instruments. Resilience causes additional costs that are not offset by direct revenues. Planning security and clear political guidelines are therefore needed to secure investments.

The BDEW paper "Resilience in the energy sector: fields of action and requirements" is available online.

Author: Susanne Harmsen