The war in Ukraine and the trade policy upheavals caused by the energy price and coronavirus crisis are dominating Hannover Messe for long stretches. At the opening on Sunday evening, it became clear that climate protection, energy efficiency and digital production are becoming topical issues at the most important industrial show - not least because of the search for alternative sources of raw materials outside Russia and new debates about economic isolation.

"One thing is very clear to me: the pandemic and the war have not diminished the urgency of the industrial transformation," said Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD). "On the contrary. Becoming independent of fossil fuels is not only sensible in terms of climate policy. In view of rising prices for gas, coal and oil, it also makes economic sense." Technologies for a low-carbon economy and "intelligent", energy-saving manufacturing processes are among the main topics at this year's exhibition.

Scholz expressed his relief that German industry stands behind the sanctions against Moscow. The consequences of the attack made it all the more clear that the economic transformation and a move away from fossil fuels must be driven forward. This would require many new procedures and processes. "This trade fair shows that this is possible and that we will achieve it at great speed."

However, there is no point in liberal societies and economies retreating into a policy of bloc formation. "We are now experiencing this with great severity: energy independence is also an imperative for our national security," emphasized the Chancellor. But: "At the same time, what we are experiencing today is a sign that we must work together." He considered a relapse into nationalism to be a dangerous mistake.

Economics Minister Robert Habeck expressed a similar view on globalization: "Let's hold on to it, but let's realign it. We must not fall into the rhetoric of a new nationalism. Then we will end up with Brexit and Donald Trump at some point."

The green restructuring of industry and its pitfalls

On Friday, the G7 climate, energy and environment ministers committed to the goal of phasing out coal-fired power production. However, since the start of the war in Ukraine, many countries have also been looking for alternatives to Russian gas supplies - and there are voices calling for a gas embargo. Habeck called for caution in general: "If we act rashly, a lot of capital will be lost. Many companies will not survive the difficult situation."

On the one hand, the "green" conversion could now gain more momentum through a faster switch to renewable energy sources. On the other hand, many countries are still relying, at least in part, on large quantities of fossil fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the time being. And increased energy costs and the necessary investments in new technology are putting pressure on the budgets of companies and consumers.

"We are trying to cushion the biggest burdens," said Scholz - "with loans, subsidies and targeted relief packages, for example for energy-intensive companies. However, if Russia's President Vladimir Putin's policies were not resolutely opposed, "the price we would all pay together" would be even higher.

Scholz conceded that the need for modernization in the administration was now also becoming very apparent. Long procedures often slow down wind power, solar power or power line projects, for example. "We will speed up the times for administrative, planning and approval processes, at least halve them," he announced. The first floating LNG terminals should be ready by the end of the year. A number of environmentalists have criticized the shortened review routines.

German industry called for more efficient, faster and more digital administrative processes before the start of the trade fair. "There are many countries that are worse than us, but there are also countries that are better," said Siegfried Russwurm, President of the industry association BDI. "I've been talking about an electronic health card for 15 years now. I already feel like a zombie."

Despite the war in Ukraine, the BDI believes that export growth of 2.5 percent is possible in German industry in 2022. However, Russwurm told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that this would depend on the problems in the supply chains being alleviated and a gas embargo being lifted. It is clear that the leadership in Moscow bears responsibility for the situation. He had met many partners in the country. However, Russia is now "disqualified for a time that we cannot yet foresee".