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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56 results
TdW_Symbolbild

Energy Transition Barometer 2026: Investments Leave Germany

Businesses in this country desire a climate policy that enables both decarbonisation and competitiveness. If this is not achieved, as shown by the latest DIHK Energy Transition Barometer, the already high risk of creeping deindustrialisation will continue to grow.

Sebastian Bolay Juni

‘Avoid backsliding on electricity costs’

Sebastian Bolay, DIHK Head of Energy, Environment, Industry, commenting on the law about grants for transmission grid fees

Date of publication 12.08.2026
Wasserstoffleitung mit Strommasten im Hintergrund

Waiting for Hydrogen? Now is (still) the time to act

If Germany is to become climate neutral by 2045, there is no way around hydrogen. However, in order to advance decarbonisation, the beacon of hope H₂ must be available, affordable and reliably transportable. Currently, the biggest hurdle is infrastructure.

Sebastian Bolay Juni

Cut in the Grid Fee Subsidy Sends the Wrong Signal

In his statement, Sebastian Bolay, Head of Energy, Environment, Industry at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), addresses the draft law on transmission grid costs.

Date of publication 05.08.2026
Sebastian Bolay Juni

Renewable Expansion and Electrification Must Be Aligned

Sebastian Bolay, Head of the Energy, Environment, and Industry Department at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), on the energy reform planned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs

Date of publication 29.07.2026
Solarfeld und Windkraftanlagen abends

Energy Transition Barometer 2026: Rising Costs Become a Risk

Industrial companies are moving production abroad, investments in core processes are being postponed: The current Energy Transition Barometer of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) highlights the major challenges posed by high energy costs for companies.

Date of publication 27.07.2026

The DIHK views the Grid Connection Package as a first step in the right direction

The connection to the electricity infrastructure is becoming a bottleneck and is hindering investments in Germany. The draft legislation aimed at addressing this by the German government has significant room for improvement from the perspective of the economy.

Date of publication 27.07.2026

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