Study: German Industry Can Save 40 Percent Energy
A new study reveals that German industry could reduce its energy consumption by 40 percent and save 29 billion euros annually through efficiency measures, particularly by electrifying process heat.
Berlin – The German industrial sector can achieve substantial savings in energy consumption and costs, according to a new study. The analysis, conducted by Hochschule Niederrhein and commissioned by Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), Umweltinstitut München, and Bellona Deutschland, suggests that industry could reduce its energy demand by up to 40 percent.
The largest savings potential lies in process heat, which is essential for heating, melting, and drying materials. The study particularly highlights electrification through heat pumps, which can decrease energy consumption by up to 20 percent even at high temperatures. These efficiency measures are financially viable, with estimated investments of 104 billion euros projected to yield annual savings of 29 billion euros.
The study emphasizes that the benefits of energy efficiency extend beyond large industrial sectors like chemicals or steel. The food industry also possesses significant potential, which could account for over 10 percent of the total calculated savings. The short-term profitability is also strong, with many measures paying for themselves in less than three years.
DUH's Federal Managing Director Sascha Müller-Kraenner described energy efficiency as the "sleeping giant of the energy transition" and stressed the need for ambitious policies and reliable support to encourage corporate investment. Georg Kobiela of Bellona Deutschland added that energy efficiency measures reduce pressure on the energy system and represent wise investments in competitiveness.
Leonard Burtscher from Umweltinstitut München underscored the industry's role in climate transition, stating that the sector must leverage its energy-saving potential to ensure renewable electricity is sufficient to meet energy transition goals by 2045.