ENERGY MEETS INDUSTRIES 2024
„Entrepreneurs Take Action!”
"Europe First! We have the innovative strength and the know-how in Germany – we have to use it and take a stand again!" That was the call to action with which Drees & Sommer Executive Board member Dierk Mutschler opened our ‘Energy meets Industries’ event.
On November 7, we brought together a cross-industry group of high-caliber experts and decision-makers for the second year in a row to discuss how to drive decarbonization of the economy. And because the aim was not just to talk, but to really get down to business, some very specific proposals emerged at the end of the day.
Enough theory, it’s time for action!
Open panel discussions, searching questions, concrete solutions and workshops once again demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit of our event.
We had already got down to business on the evening before the event, with ENTEGA giving us an insight into the operation of their gas turbine power plant. The successful kickoff was rounded out by an exclusive panel discussion and keynotes from Dr. Marie-Luise Wolff, CEO of ENTEGA AG, Professor Hans Sommer, Chairman of the consortium and founder of Drees & Sommer, and Dr. Erika Bellmann, Equinor Deutschland GmbH.
In her keynote, Dr. Marie-Luise Wolff, CEO of Entega AG, explored the possible impact of the US elections on the German energy industry. Europe must act independently and recognize its privileged position, she pointed out, while countries such as Denmark and Spain are already achieving energy transition successes.
„In Europe, we have the privilege of driving the energy transition – and we mustn’t let ‘America First’ policies stand in our way.“
Prof. Dr. Hans Sommer, Chairman of the consortium and founder of Drees & Sommer, emphasized the current critical state of climate protection and called for uniform rules for global climate targets. He compared climate policy to a chaotic sporting event in which every participant plays by their own rules – in contrast to the clear, internationally standardized structures found in sport. Germany had both the required potential and enthusiastic players, but complex regulations were making progress difficult.
We must shape the transformation in Germany gradually and in a technology-neutral way, and manage the available capital intelligently to finance the necessary changes. Private capital would play the decisive role in this. Professor Sommer highlighted examples such as Thyssenkrupp, which is pursuing a flexible strategy for CO2-neutral steel, and made the case for technology-neutral innovation – for example in the areas of hydrogen and carbon storage – to pave the way for sustainable industry.
„We need a global playing field with clearly defined rules – Germany cannot save the world on its own.“
The chemical, steel and pharmaceutical industry, aviation, the construction and real estate industries – as well as local authorities, energy companies and the manufacturing industry – provided practical examples of how the transformation of our economy can be achieved. They made it clear that: There are already many solutions, we now have to apply them across the board.
The message for the following day at Merck in Darmstadt was clear: The energy transition and transformation of industry can only succeed through international cooperation, openness to all technologies, and cross-sector partnerships. In view of global challenges and political uncertainties, Europe must act independently and demonstrate its innovation leadership. So the focus was on our key question:
The pictures of the event can be downloaded here.
Our key takeaways from presentations, keynotes and workshops:
Here are the key takeaways and findings on how to accelerate the electricity and heating transition as well as the transformation of industry:
- Water is not just a problem for the Global South: The interdependency of energy and water requires innovative approaches to water management and recycling.
- Financing through private capital: The transformation can only succeed with considerable private investment.
- A clear course: Climate science raises the alarm, but at the same time clearly shows that we have the means to exert a positive influence on our future.
- Cooperation acts as a driver: Effective sector coupling is crucial for the success of the energy transition – and the successful transformation of industry.
- Theory must now be put into practice: The time for draft plans is over – it is now time to get to work and successfully complete specific projects.
„It’s time for Europe to take a stand, take responsibility and show leadership – because if we don’t, who will? Our mission is to create a future-safe world. This will require cross-sector collaboration, transparency, and the courage to innovate – in areas ranging from zero carbon to water as a key resource. The challenges are huge, but our innovative strength and the will to change can once again make us world market leaders."
„As a digital city and top location for the future, Darmstadt is the perfect place to talk about change. Our claim ‘Sparking discovery – elevating humanity’ shows how we can shape progress in life sciences, healthcare and electronics. As one of the major energy consumers, the challenge for us is to be as innovative and sustainable as possible – competitive, flexible and crisis-proof.“
The reality of the climate crisis is closing in on us. Only the immediate and radical reduction of emissions, supplemented by climate positivity and carbon reduction, can help us. We could achieve a partial transition using innovative technology and a combination of photovoltaics and geothermal energy. There is hope – if only with only a 15 – 20 percent probability of success – but when everything is on the line, that represents a real opportunity..“
High-caliber panelists held lively discussions
The various topics were examined in detail during four fascinating panel discussions. The thought-provoking exchanges delivered clear-cut results:
Henrik Töpelt | Head of Energy Drees & Sommer (Moderation)
Martin Giehl | CTO Mainova AG
Markus Horn | Head of Generation, Renewables and Heat Entega AG
Marc Mundschau | Member of the Board of Directors of Pfalzwerke AG
The panel stressed that the expansion of power grids and heating networks in densely built-up cities requires huge investment and fast approvals in order to keep pace with climate targets. Collaboration and efficient energy management were highlighted as the keys to greater profitability and savings. In particular, while the expansion of district heating and the use of green hydrogen, at suitable industrial sites for example, offer great potential, they are also extremely demanding with regard to financing and coordination. There was consensus that pragmatic procedures, transparency and public acceptance are essential for a successful and economical shift towards decarbonization.
Frank Bornmann | Partner Drees & Sommer (moderator)
Boris Diehm | Head of Department Sewage Treatment Plants and Networks Stuttgart
Dr. Reinhard Hübner | CEO Skion Water
Imad Makhzoumi | Board member of the International Desalination and
Reuse Association (IDRA); CEO and Chairman ENOIA Engineering
Hans-Jürgen Stanger | Managing Director eneotech Umwelt GmbH
Björn Wunderlich | Managing Director Hydro-Ingenieure GmbH
The second panel made it clear that climate change poses a huge threat to water supply: Drought and flood events are becoming increasingly common, and only one percent of the world’s water is suitable for human use. Water and energy systems are closely linked, which is why sustainable use of water is crucial for decarbonization. Solutions include recycling, a circular economy, and technologies such as desalination and reuse. Water losses can be reduced with the help of innovative sewage control, sponge cities, and alternative water sources. Networked thinking and the courage to adopt new approaches are essential to making infrastructure resilient and to mastering the risks of water scarcity and flood events.
Christoph Gawlik | Head of Industry Drees & Sommer (moderator)
Carsten Poralla | Managing Director Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH
Dr. Jennifer Berz | VP Strategy and Sustainability Fraport AG
Dr. Mark Misselhorn | Managing Director Caphenia
Markus Weber | CFO Quest One
Dr. Regina Pouzolz | Deutsche Aircraft
During the panel discussion on the decarbonization of aviation, the experts looked at the challenges and opportunities involved in integrating sustainable energy and propulsion technologies into aviation. It was clear that there is no single solution: Aviation needs a mix of new technologies, infrastructure, and clear regulatory frameworks. The path towards climate-conscious flying is challenging, but small- and medium-sized projects, as well as regulatory measures and cooperation, could be decisive steps in the right direction.
Professor Robert Göötz | Managing Director Real Blue Kapitalverwaltungs-GmbH (facilitator)
Silke Stremlau | Chair of the German Federal Government’s Sustainable Finance Committee, Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board UmweltBank AG
Pascal Biesenbach | Co-founder and CEO viadukt GmbH
Dominik Dürschlag | Managing Director Aareal Bank AG
Dr. Dirk Notheis | Founder and Managing Director of Rantum Capital
The panel on financing the transformation emphasized that private investment is crucial for the implementation of the energy transition. Only about ten percent of the required funding comes from the public purse, while the rest has to be privately financed, with companies providing the lion’s share. The panelists were optimistic that financing the transformation is feasible because there is sufficient capital – but it needs to be steered in the right direction and to the right projects.
In an interview with Patrick Burghardt, Lord Mayor of Rüsselsheim, we also looked at a specific example of what local authorities face:
The city of Rüsselsheim is currently undergoing far-reaching change, especially in the areas of urban development and energy transformation. A new 60-hectare residential and commercial development is being planned, adopting innovative ideas such as neighborhood garages and the use of waste heat from data centers. The local university plays an active role in hydrogen research, which is crucial for the energy transition.
Local authorities are focusing on district heating planning and cooperating with each other, especially in areas such as public transport and the expansion of cycle path networks. Burghardt emphasizes that Rüsselsheim doesn’t just want concepts, but intends to implement specific measures by 2030. Around 1.2 million square meters of land are to be put to good use in the coming years.
„Rüsselsheim is undergoing change: We are setting course for the future with a new residential and commercial district, modern heating planning, and cooperation between local authorities in the transport sector. I don't want to see any more concepts between now and 2030 – I want to see action!“
VISIONARY INSIGHTS – startup pitches full of surprises
In series of three-minute pitches, we gained fascinating insights into four startups whose developments are paving the way for the decarbonization of industry.
KRAFT BLOCK develops technologies to decarbonize high-temperature industrial processes. The company’s approach includes both stationary and mobile storage solutions that cover a wide range of applications in different industries. The company has already implemented a mobile pilot project and is aiming for 98% decarbonization in industry.
„Using our technology, we can take the decarbonization of industry to 98% in one fell swoop.“ Martin Schichtel, CEO, Kraftblock GmbH
INFENER develops distributed hydrogen hubs offering a carbon-neutral energy supply. The company aims to make a substantial contribution to the energy transition through the use of modular, scalable plants that combine hydrogen, fuel cell and heat pump technologies. The goal is to provide more than 12 GW of hydrogen capacity by 2030.
„We want to change the energy landscape – with green hydrogen solutions for a sustainable future.“ Tobias Gruber, Head of Product, INFENER AG
Ammonigy uses green ammonia as a carbon-free energy carrier for industry. Decentralized ammonia crackers convert ammonia into hydrogen for use in engines and industrial burners. The company uses renewable energy and has already realized demonstration projects for clients including for Deutsche Bahn.
„Green ammonia is the energy carrier of the future – it’s carbon-free and efficient for industry.“ Christian Hermle, CEO & Co-Founder, Ammonigy GmbH
Neustark transforms concrete rubble into carbon sinks by utilizing the chemical reaction between concrete and carbon emissions from biogas plants. This carbon-enriched concrete can then be reused, for example in road construction. The company already has plants in operation that enable sequestration of large amounts of carbon.
„We turn concrete rubble into carbon sinks, thus helping to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint.“ Elmar Vatter, Project Manager Marketing & Communications, Neustark AG
How could the approaches be put into practice?
As last year, our workshops presented the results using a game-based approach. Representatives from the different sectors sat together and discussed possible solutions. The result took us back to what was said at the start of the event: Europe, and especially Germany, must refocus on their respective core strengths and take action. We have the necessary resources and need players who will take the lead and implement the strategies. Our participants expressed their agreement with this principle by signing the statements.
A big thank you to all the experts who enriched ‘Energy meets Industries’ again this year with outstanding keynotes, searching questions, and frank and honest discussions.
The event once again confirmed the importance of cross-industry exchange on sector coupling – which is why the third edition of ‘Energy meets Industries’ will take place next year on October 22 and 23, 2025.
We look forward to it!