Industry threatens to emigrate: Is energy policy becoming a danger?”

Industry threatens to emigrate: Is energy policy becoming a danger?”

More and more companies in Germany are concerned about their future competitiveness. The country's energy policy in particular is perceived as a major risk. A current survey by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) highlights that energy-intensive companies in particular are increasingly thinking about relocating production abroad.

Strong distrust of energy policy

The DIHK is conducting a survey that includes 3,283 companies, a particularly large number of them from industry. The results of this year's “Energy Transition Barometer” show a strong distrust of German energy policy. Achim Dercks, the deputy managing director of the DIHK, said that business confidence in energy policy had been severely damaged: “The risks outweigh the opportunities,” said Dercks.

Growing migration tendencies in the industry

Currently, 45 percent of energy-intensive companies are planning to cut back on production or move abroad entirely. This number has increased by seven percent compared to last year. The situation is particularly alarming in large companies with more than 500 employees, where 51 percent are already considering taking appropriate steps.

The political reaction and economic concerns

Despite the serious situation facing the industry, the federal government has only responded sporadically. Dercks criticized the government's “growth initiative” for not addressing the core problems of energy supply. This leaves companies at a loss as they urgently need practical solutions.

The impact on investment and development

More than a third of the companies surveyed stated that they were able to invest less in central operations due to high energy prices. A quarter of them feel forced to neglect climate protection. These developments are leading to a worrying decline in the competitiveness of German industry. Dercks warned that migration or relocation of production is not the only challenge; the lack of investment climate is just as big a problem.

Suggestions for improving the situation

In order to meet the current challenges, the DIHK has drawn up a list of ten suggestions. This includes accelerating network expansion for renewable energies and reducing network fees through government subsidies. Furthermore, clear strategies for hydrogen supply must be developed.

Summary and outlook

Overall, the survey shows an alarming trend: the deindustrialization of Germany not only seems to be a feared possibility, but is also becoming tangible through current developments. It remains to be seen how politicians will react to the critical assessments of the economy and whether real solutions will be developed to stop a downward trend.