15/12/2025 The study "New Ways for the Energy Transition" published by the DIHK in September reveals that the current course of Germany's energy transition results in costs that are hardly manageable for industries. Alongside reducing direct and indirect energy costs, a more efficient legislative and administrative framework is needed. This includes enhanced coordination between authorities, the federal government, and states, faster approval processes, and clearer funding structures. The supplementary study II "Institutions," commissioned by DIHK, explores which institutional improvements are required for a more efficient and cost-effective energy transition.

The study provides eight specific recommendations for governance, structural, and process enhancements:

1. Implement EU directives "1:1" – no additional national extensions
2. Synchronise target years for climate neutrality across the EU
3. Establish an “Energy and Climate Cabinet” as a coordination centre
4. Bolster the independence of energy transition monitoring
5. Centralise operational tasks within an “Energy Transition Agency”
6. Modernise administrative working methods – digital, project-oriented, agile
7. Accelerate approval and planning procedures
8. Increase efficiency and effectiveness of public funding programmes

“The study outlines what an effective, digital, and learning state should look like, keeping international competitiveness of businesses, effective climate protection, and supply security as priorities,” said Achim Dercks, deputy Chief Executive Officer of DIHK. “We must move away from state micromanagement to strategic guidelines and streamlined implementation. Only then can climate neutrality be achieved without sacrificing prosperity and competitiveness.”