Energy efficiency investment climate in Germany at low point – index

The energy efficiency investment index by University of Stuttgart, which assesses current and planned activities in German industry on energy efficiency twice a year, has reached a historic low. At the same time, companies rate the importance of energy efficiency higher than ever. “Presumably due to the interest rate hike, the recession as well as other high expenditures, the willingness of companies to invest in energy efficiency measures is at an all-time low since records began,” said Alexander Sauer, head of the Institute for Energy Efficiency in Production (EEP) at the university. The index, which used responses from more than 800 businesses in its latest report, is drawn up in cooperation with the German Energy Agency (dena), the Federation of German Industries (BDI), Fraunhofer IPA and TÜV Rheinland, as well as other partners.

German Industry Initiative for Energy Efficiency (DENEFF) said the index shows that the government must put more focus on energy efficiency investments. “Only with the help of better energy efficiency can companies structurally arm themselves against higher energy prices in the long term and thus become resilient,” said the organisation’s head of industry decarbonisation Tatjana Ruhl. “To do this, they need clear guidelines and support from policymakers.” DENEFF sees a current lack of clarity and planning certainty, which “a strong energy efficiency law could and must bring.”  

The government cabinet in April agreed a draft energy efficiency law for Germany with targets to reduce primary energy consumption and final energy consumption. It is currently being debated in parliament.