"The energy transition needs a change in perspective"

In an article in Handelsblatt, dena's Chief Executive Andreas Kuhlmann describes the second phase of the energy transition and the conditions necessary to make this phase a success.

The first phase of the energy transition has been completed with renewable energy moving from niche product to key pillar of our electricity supply. Andreas Kuhlmann is convinced that the second phase of the energy transition will be a different matter entirely.

Now that the energy transition has gained a firm foothold in the areas of electricity, heat, transport and industry, the challenge consists of linking all these areas up to create synergies and develop key innovations. Aside from the energy industry, a large number of other players are helping to shape the energy transition, including start-ups and the customers themselves: "The key issue in the coming years will be the link-up of the government-driven energy transition with the customer-driven energy transition."

While the potential for new business models is huge, there is still a lot of work to do, says Andreas Kuhlmann. As yet, our current political framework conditions are predominantly geared towards the first phase.

Read guest article by dena’s Managing Director Andreas Kuhlmann (PDF, 103 KB)