dena’s ‘Integrated energy transition’ flagship study

Reducing greenhouse gases in Germany by 80 to 95 per cent by 2050 requires not only the substantial expansion of renewable energy and further increases to energy efficiency, but also a fundamental transformation of the entire energy system and the integration of all producers and consumers across sector boundaries. This is why the ‘Integrated energy transition’ flagship study is investigating the influence of the energy sectors of energy generation and distribution, buildings, mobility and industry and their reciprocal effects and interdependencies in order to derive an overall strategy for an integrated energy transition across all sectors. That is because to date, there have been only a few studies that have examined all sectors including reciprocal effects. However this is necessary as the various sectors are increasingly dependent on each other, for example, due to increasing electrification. In general, companies’ prospects, practical knowledge and strategic development have been neglected. Also, with respect to infrastructure needs, acceptance and costs, there is too little knowledge to effectively transform the energy system. To this end, dena’s flagship study has worked with over 60 partners from industry and an advisory board of scientists and politicians to develop possible transformation paths and recommendations for action.

The German government’s climate targets have set the political objectives for the transformation of the energy system by 2050. They will fundamentally change the markets and business activities in all sectors. However, there is as yet no consensus as to what infrastructure, networks and conditions will be required in order to achieve this in the coming years. For a successful and affordable energy transition, we need a cross-sectoral discourse with relevant stakeholders from all industries. dena wants to drive this process forward in the long term with its ‘Integrated energy transition’ flagship study. This is the only way to create a reliable orientation framework for the integrated energy transition. However, we need solutions for the huge upcoming investments that are not prescribed by politicians alone, but must be developed in dialogue with the various players across the different sectors. The results of this process can serve as a decision-making basis for investments in infrastructure and new business models, as well as for the opening up of new markets.