Review IE2S REFLECT: In dialogue with Dr Franziska Brantner
Independence, predictability, speed: the energy transformation in Germany in focus at IE2S REFLECT
How can Germany remain independent and competitive as a business location during the energy transition? This key question was the focus of the latest edition of our IE2S REFLECT event series. We were honored to welcome Dr Franziska Brantner, party leader of BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN, as our special guest.
The evening got off to a dynamic start with five quick questions for Dr Franziska Brantner – ranging from whether she sometimes finds political decisions difficult to how her experiences in different regions of the world have shaped her current thinking on energy policy. This was followed by a short, inspiring keynote speech by the party leader, which led into an in-depth discussion with moderator Julia Donnelly and IE2S managing director Dr Dominique Gross. It became clear that the energy transition is no longer purely an ecological issue, but also an industrial and geopolitical one.
Three key impulses from the conversation
Three key themes emerged from the dialogue with Dr Franziska Brantner:
- Strengthening European sovereignty: Europe must build up its own capacities, particularly in the processing of raw materials, in order to reduce unilateral dependencies – for example, on China. This requires time, negotiating skills and a long-term European strategy.
- Minimising predictability as a location risk: For companies, the currently limited predictability is a major hurdle. Reliable, consistent political frameworks are the basic prerequisite for industry and medium-sized businesses to make necessary investments in Germany and secure long-term value creation here.
- Speed through debureaucratisation: The success of the energy and mobility transition requires significantly faster procedures. Reducing bureaucracy and making approval processes more efficient are crucial for realising the infrastructure of the future in a timely manner and bringing innovations to a wider audience.
Experience innovation: pooling as a solution for the electricity grid
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of the IE2S pooling approach. Our colleagues demonstrated how the flexibility of electric cars can be harnessed systematically. Through intelligent pooling, vehicles can make a decisive contribution to grid stability and thus support the integration of renewable energies.
A dialogue of equals
In the subsequent open question and answer session, the IE2S team had the opportunity to engage in direct conversation with Dr. Brantner. The questions from the various departments provided new impulses and deepened the discussion, which continued during the concluding networking session.
We sincerely thank Dr. Franziska Brantner and her team for the open exchange and the valuable insights into energy policy decision-making processes. Once again, it became clear: the bridge between political decisions and economic implementation is a key success factor for the energy and mobility transition.