From the perspective of the electrical and digital industry, what does Germany need to do to achieve its climate targets? ZVEI President Dr. Gunther Kegel provided answers at the opening of the e-Summit in Berlin: "Far too often, we stand in our own way. We can no longer afford our wasteful inefficiency - we need a turnaround in efficiency!"

In this context, a turnaround in efficiency means electrifying all areas of life with electricity from renewable energy sources. In addition to wind and solar, this also includes green hydrogen and eFuels. Electrification opens up undreamt-of efficiency potential on the path to decarbonization. In conjunction with digitalization and automation solutions, primary energy consumption in the building sector, for example, could be reduced by up to 65%, according to the ZVEI. The electrification of mobility offers similar opportunities.

More trust in the innovative strength of companies

Dr. Gunther Kegel, ZVEI President

© ZVEI

However, a turnaround in efficiency also means fewer obstacles for those who want to contribute to decarbonization and climate protection. Kegel: "The entire political and regulatory framework must become more coherent, it must become more efficient and it must strengthen those who want to invest in a climate-neutral future." It is time to place more trust in the creative powers of companies again. "The technologies of the electrical and digital industries are real game changers. However, this potential can only be realized if their use is also economically attractive," continued Kegel. For this reason, the association reiterated its call for a lower electricity price and fewer bureaucratic hurdles at the eSummit.

Member companies focus on electrification and efficiency improvements

A recent ZVEI survey supports this demand. More than half of the companies surveyed consider bureaucratic hurdles, such as long planning and approval procedures, to be an obstacle. Slightly fewer (48%) complain about a lack of or misguided regulatory incentives.

Despite this, nine out of ten companies in the German electrical and digital industry see electrification as the key lever for greater climate protection and energy efficiency. Just as many have already invested in measures to increase efficiency themselves. 50% have electrified their processes and systems, making electricity their primary energy source. Likewise, half have already set up their own power generation with renewable energies or purchase green electricity. When asked about the planned measures, the companies gave similar answers: investments are planned primarily in increasing efficiency (85%), setting up their own energy generation with renewables (58%) and switching to electricity or purchasing green electricity (46% and 56% respectively).

Politicians should no longer throw a spanner in the works of those who want to go ahead and invest: "We need a reliable framework that allows companies and private households alike to make sensible investment decisions," said Kegel.