High energy costs are pushing many companies to their breaking point. This is highlighted in the Energy Transition Barometer 2026 by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), which surveyed around 3,100 companies from all sectors and regions.

Crises and Structural Challenges

© DIHK / Werner Schuering

"Global crises are colliding with unresolved structural challenges in Germany as a business location. This keeps energy costs high," explains DIHK President Peter Adrian. "The consequences are declining competitiveness, postponed investments, and the relocation of production capacities abroad."

Nearly half of the companies report that electricity costs have risen again in the past twelve months. For gas and oil, even two-thirds report higher burdens. After two years of recovery from the low in 2023, the DIHK Energy Transition Barometer has fallen back to a negative value of minus eleven points on a scale ranging from minus 100 to plus 100. More than 40 per cent of companies see their competitiveness hindered by the energy transition and associated energy costs. In the industrial sector, this applies to around two-thirds of the businesses, while in trade, it is 40 per cent.

The result: Germany is losing businesses and investments. Around a third of companies are postponing investments in their core processes. A quarter of the businesses are withholding investments in climate protection measures due to a lack of financial resources. Sixteen percent are delaying investments in research and innovation. "It is alarming that high energy costs are now not only burdening ongoing business activities but also preventing future investments," says Adrian. "Those who do not invest today will lose innovation capacity, productivity, and competitiveness tomorrow."

One in Five Businesses Contemplates Relocating or Halting Production

The situation becomes particularly evident when considering the cessation of business activities in Germany and relocation abroad: Around 20 per cent of all companies are considering, have already implemented, or are in the process of implementing such measures. In the industrial sector, this figure rises to about 40 per cent, and among large industrial enterprises, it is approximately 60 per cent. About a third of the latter states they are already executing relocation measures.

"Companies stand firmly behind the goal of achieving climate neutrality. At the same time, they are confronted with energy costs that increasingly disadvantage them in international competition," states Adrian. "The costs of the energy transition risk becoming a stumbling block to its success. To break out of this downward spiral, new approaches in energy policy are required: less government micromanagement, more market mechanisms, and competitive energy prices."

For businesses, expanding infrastructure is the foremost priority in energy policy. Four out of five companies demand enhanced prioritisation and reliability in infrastructure development. Nearly three-quarters wish for stronger financial commitment from the state towards building a future-oriented infrastructure. Seventy-eight per cent support a reduction in taxes and levies on electricity prices. Similarly, around three-quarters believe that economic viability, voluntarism, and technological openness should be the guiding principles of energy efficiency policies.

Ease Transformation, Lower Costs — and Fast

"Businesses expect reliable regulatory frameworks, efficient infrastructure, and internationally competitive energy prices," Adrian explains. "These are essential prerequisites for companies to invest, secure jobs, and foster innovation in Germany. If energy remains permanently expensive and regulations more stringent than those faced by our international competitors, we will gradually lose value creation and industrial substance."

"Rapid measures to ease companies' transformation and reduce costs are now crucial. These include an immediate reduction of electricity taxes for all, clear regulations for accelerating grid connections and infrastructure development, and significant deregulation. Only by combining decarbonisation and competitiveness can the transformation be successful."

Background

For the Energy Transition Barometer 2026, the DIHK surveyed around 3,100 companies from industry, trade, services, and construction in June 2026. The results are weighted regionally and by industry and are representative of Germany's commercial economy. The barometer reflects the business community's sentiment on the energy transition and its economic impact.

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