How companies benefit from the energy transition
Author:in: Julie Vandegaar
Reading Time: 3 min
Table of contents
Status quo of the energy transition: Germany on the road to climate neutrality
Germany is one step closer to reaching its target. Last year, around 674 million tons of greenhouse gases were emitted in this country. According to the Federal Environment Agency, this is not only the lowest level since the 1950s, but also 76 million tons less than in the previous year. This means that the target of reducing greenhouse gases by 65 percent by 2030 compared to the reference year 1990 is within reach. According to current calculations, the reduction is already just under 64 percent.(Source 1: Federal Environment Agency)
Only limited cause for celebration
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is attributable to various factors. On the one hand, the share of renewable energies has increased, while fossil energy generation has decreased. Secondly, the demand for electricity from businesses and consumers fell last year. Due to a crisis-related decline in production by energy-intensive companies, emissions from industry also fell significantly.
However, according to Agora, only 15 percent of the total savings are long-term, for example through the expansion of green electricity or energy efficiency measures. Around half of the savings result from short-term effects such as production declines. (Source 2: Agora Energiewende)
Why the energy transition is inevitable
However, significant savings are still needed to achieve climate neutrality in 2045, so that there is a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and their reduction. The keyword is therefore: energy transition.
Companies in particular need to make the transition from conventional, mostly energy-intensive and environmentally harmful energy sources to renewable and sustainable forms of energy. This is because most emissions are generated in the following sectors (Source 3: Agora Verkehrswende):
- Energy industry: 205 million tons
- Industry: 155 million tons
- Traffic: 146 million tons
Opportunities of the energy transition for companies
The energy transition is undoubtedly a challenge for companies. But it also has numerous advantages:
- Switching to renewable energy sources increases independence from international crises and the resulting price rises and outbreaks. The consequences of dependence on individual raw material suppliers became clear, not least during the war in Ukraine. (Source 5: Federal Government)
- In addition, by switching to renewable energies, companies can benefit from government subsidies and tax advantages that are specifically aimed at promoting the energy transition. (Source 6: LBBW)
- In many countries, there are also green certificates and subsidies for companies to initiate the transformation process at an early stage. They are intended to provide an additional incentive to make their own production more sustainable and switch to renewable energies.
- With e-mobility in the fleet and charging points in company parking lots, companies can cut costs, reduce their carbon footprint and support employees at the same time. In this way, they position themselves as pioneers in innovation and sustainability and strengthen their attractiveness as an employer. (Source 7: Fraunhofer Institute)
Not forgetting the positive impact on brand perception. More and more consumers and business partners prefer companies that actively take responsibility and act sustainably. A clear and credible approach to sustainability is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage that not only strengthens customer loyalty, but also promotes brand loyalty and deepens trust in the brand. (Source 8: LBBW)
Technologies for the energy transition
Digital transformation and a willingness to innovate are crucial to successfully mastering the energy transition. From photovoltaic systems and intelligent energy management systems to new storage technologies, there are numerous ways to successfully implement the energy transition. With efficient battery storage systems, trade and industry can benefit from the advantages of the energy transition and increase their competitiveness.
Storing sustainable energy, especially renewable energy from PV systems, efficiently and making it available exactly when it is needed. Storage systems make this possible. With their help, unnecessary load peaks can be capped and intelligent electricity use made possible. This not only reduces the ecological footprint, but also lowers costs and increases the self-sufficiency of companies.
Start the energy transition in your company now!
The energy transition is not only necessary, it is also your opportunity to reduce costs and future-proof your company. Now is the time to take action and use sustainable energy sources!