Energy and Economy: Setting the Course for the Future

To enable companies to invest, transform, and secure jobs, energy policy must set clear priorities: affordable energy, rapid networks, and reliable plans. The DIHK brings the perspective of business directly into political decisions, highlighting where regulatory relief is needed and identifying the levers that effectively drive the expansion of renewable energies. Our goal: political framework conditions that enable climate protection while strengthening the industrial base.

 

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Results

48 results

A pragmatic approach and realistic goals needed for scaling up hydrogen

New study by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry outlines a path for a successful hydrogen market ramp-up

Date of publication 08.07.2026
Wasserstoff Energiespeichersystem mit Windrädern und Solarpanelen

Study highlights need for action in accelerating hydrogen adoption

The ramp-up of hydrogen in Germany is at risk of lagging behind political targets. A study commissioned by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry identifies key challenges and outlines the necessary actions.

Date of publication 08.07.2026

DIHK demands improvements to the CO₂ border adjustment

Melanie Vogelbach: "Climate protection and competitiveness must go hand in hand."

Date of publication 29.06.2026
Peter Adrian_Reaktion

Reducing Complex Requirements and Growth-Damaging Regulations Further

DIHK President Peter Adrian on the Energy Efficiency Act

Date of publication 24.06.2026
3D-Modelle von Wasserstoffmolekülen

Successful with Hydrogen

No domestic market, no global success: German technology companies need a convincing showcase within their own borders to further develop their role in hydrogen technologies worldwide. How Germany can set the course for an efficient hydrogen market - and why fuel cell cars and hydrogen heating...

Industrial Grid Charges: DIHK Advocates Broad Access and New Funding

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is driving a fundamental reform of industrial grid charges. With regard to the orientation points submitted in April 2026, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) advocates significantly lower access thresholds, financing from the Climate and...

Date of publication 05.06.2026
Sebastian Bolay Juni

Digitalisation remains Achilles' heel

On the upcoming Cabinet decision regarding the Federal Government's Action Programme for implementing the National Circular Economy Strategy, Sebastian Bolay, DIHK Head of Department for Energy, Environment, and Industry, explains:

Date of publication 03.06.2026
Helena Melnikov_Reaktion

Agreement between the German government and the European Commission on key points for a power plant strategy

The German government and the European Commission have agreed on the key points for a power plant strategy. Helena Melnikov, Chief Executive of German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), explains:

Date of publication 02.06.2026
bab 2023-12-04 Stromnetze

How the absolute savings targets of the Energy Efficiency Act impact economic growth

The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) of 2023 mandates rigid energy consumption savings goals in Germany – irrespective of climate or efficiency considerations. At the current state, these goals can only be achieved through a drastic decline in economic performance.

Wärmepumpe

Transformation in the Building Sector – now consistently with the economy

The building sector is under significant transformational pressure: New requirements and high costs hinder investments in climate-neutral buildings. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) calls for reliable, technology-neutral and economically viable regulations.

Energie Gasspeicher

Gas storage policy as a component of supply security

Germany needs a more flexible system for filling gas storage facilities. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) analyses four models and advocates a mix of instruments comprising an obligation to secure supply and a strategic reserve – market-based, compatible with European...

Peter Adrian_Reaktion

Planned regulations enable technological openness, but do not provide planning certainty

Regarding the Building Modernisation Act adopted by the Federal Cabinet, DIHK President Peter Adrian declares

Date of publication 13.05.2026
Sebastian Bolay Juni

State-led technological steering is the wrong approach

On the draft act adopted by the federal cabinet to ensure electricity supply security and to provide new capacities (StromVKG), Sebastian Bolay, DIHK Head of Energy, Environment, Industry explains:

Date of publication 13.05.2026
Luftbild eines Gaskraftwerkes in West Burton, Vereinigtes Königreich

New study: planned gas-fired power plant subsidies non-compliant with EU standards – alternative safeguarding requirement proposed

The planned multibillion-euro subsidies for gas-fired power plants fail to meet European Union standards for capacity mechanisms, according to a study by Connect Energy Economics commissioned by bne, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), EEX, and VEA. Instead, a transition to a...

Date of publication 21.04.2026
Windräder und Solarpanels vor blauem Himmel

Rethinking Business and Climate Protection Together

Efficient, technology-neutral, international: The IHK organisation strongly advocates redesigning the energy transition in Germany. Through studies, core positions, and surveys, the DIHK outlines what is necessary for companies to also manage the transformation.