Energy prices and competitiveness: the core issue
The glass, chemical and steel industries all emphasized that the enormous energy costs were putting their production sites at risk. Christiane Nelles (glass industry) emphasized that complete electrification is not possible for the industry, as some processes are absolutely dependent on flame combustion. A competitive supply of climate-neutral hydrogen is therefore crucial. Ferdinand Rammrath (Covestro) argued similarly, also describing a secure and predictable energy supply as essential for the chemical industry. He also referred to the intense competition with China, where production costs are significantly lower due to lower energy prices.
Olaf Hähnel (Swiss Steel Group) also drew attention to the paradoxical situation that, despite more energy-efficient production methods in electric arc furnaces, the high grid charges for energy-intensive processes cause additional costs. This burden is all the more serious because his company already uses a lower-emission technology, but is still under economic pressure due to the current market conditions.
While all panelists agreed on the need for stable and competitive energy costs, their views on suitable solutions differed. Max Dieringer (FlexPower) argued from the perspective of an electricity trader that direct state price regulation would not be effective in the long term. Instead, it is necessary to provide incentives to make grid usage more flexible in order to enable load shifts to more favorable periods. Julia Metz (Agora Industry) pointed out that short-term price reductions are not enough. Instead, a fundamental reform of funding structures is needed to enable long-term investment in climate-friendly technologies. Julian Fieres (ZF) made a similar call - the competitiveness of German industry cannot be secured by short-term subsidies alone, but long-term investments in innovations such as hydrogen technologies and batteries are crucial. Purely short-term market intervention without strategic capital flows into sustainable technologies would merely mask existing problems instead of solving them structurally.
Overall, the discussion made it clear that energy-intensive industry is not only concerned with short-term cost relief, but also with a sustainable strategy that guarantees both planning security and technological flexibility.
Technological transformation as the key
The discussion not only highlighted problems, but also possible solutions. Julia Metz from Agora Industrie called for a long-term strategy for climate-neutral investments. Planning security is the decisive factor for companies to implement new technologies. In addition, the promotion of decarbonization measures must be based on the reality of industrial processes.
Another key topic was the openness of technology. While some approaches, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), were viewed skeptically in Germany for a long time, they are already being used successfully internationally. Ferdinand Rammrath argued that such options should not be ruled out from the outset, but that new approaches should be approached with an open mind. Olaf Hähnel also spoke out in favor of a more pragmatic approach to energy sources. Instead of using LNG imports as an emergency solution, Germany should focus more on its own resources and accelerated infrastructure expansion.
Necessary reforms and concrete measures
Several reforms were discussed in order to keep industry in Germany competitive:
Flexibilization of grid feesto better balance load peaks and relieve the burden on energy-intensive companies.
Openness to technologyto give companies more scope for innovative solutions.
Planning securityin particular through a reliable long-term financing strategy.
International competitivenessby eliminating tax and regulatory disadvantages compared to other markets.
Pragmatic approach to hydrogen technologiesto enable faster scaling.
Rapid network expansionto ensure a stable and affordable energy supply in the long term.
Outlook and conclusion
A look into the future revealed differing assessments. While some panelists were optimistic that Germany would be able to manage the change, others expressed clear doubts. Ferdinand Rammrath warned that without short-term relief, many industrial companies could disappear in the coming years.
Julia Metz emphasized the importance of international developments. While Germany is fighting for its market position, other countries are investing massively in climate-neutral industries. Without a clear strategy, Germany risks falling behind technologically and economically.
The discussion made one thing unmistakably clear: the industry can and wants to make its contribution to the energy transition. But without the right political framework and more decisive action, Germany is at risk of losing touch with the international markets. Now is the time to set the course - not only for the energy supply, but for the future of the entire industry.
