With around 24 percent of total emissions, industry not only bears the burden of the past, but also the responsibility for a sustainable future.
"German industry is facing a decisive turning point - one that will shape our future." - Klaus Nagl
With around 24 percent of total emissions, industry not only bears the burden of the past, but also the responsibility for a sustainable future. [1] Climate neutrality has long been more than just an ideal - it is the key to securing Germany's position as a global innovation leader and strengthening its competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.
But transformation is not an easy path. It requires courage, vision and strong partnerships.
German industry: between pressure and opportunities
2025 - a year that, according to forecasts, holds little optimism for German industry: Growth of just 0.1 percent, rising production costs and an investment backlog of 210 billion euros are weighing on the sector. [2] At the same time, energy costs are rising and geopolitical uncertainties are making decisions more difficult. [3]
But is this really just a crisis? Or could it not rather be a catalyst - an opportunity to rethink innovation and efficiency? As Winston Churchill once said: "Never waste a good crisis."
The answers lie in decarbonization, which offers far more than just a reduction in CO₂ emissions. "It enables a realignment of the industry that is more strongly oriented towards the principles of sustainability, flexibility and innovation. The path is challenging, but the potential is enormous," continued Klaus Nagl.
The primary goal must be to reduce energy costs and thus become less dependent on price fluctuations. This will be achieved by decarbonizing the industry, including an in-depth analysis and optimization of the energy system.
Technologies for a climate-neutral industry
In addition to long-established measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, an explicit carbon management strategy is becoming increasingly important (see Cabinet adopts key points for carbon management strategy | Federal Government). The key to decarbonization lies in bold innovations and new technologies: [1]
- Carbon Direct Avoidance (CDA): Replacing outdated, emission-intensive processes with clean alternatives.
- Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU): Understanding emissions not as waste, but as a resource.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): permanently storing CO₂ and thus removing it from the atmosphere.
This is not just about ecological responsibility, but also about economic benefits: lower operating costs, a more stable energy supply and the opportunity to tap into new markets.
Practical example: Irlbacher Blickpunkt Glas and Consolinno FlexA
A project in Schönsee in the Upper Palatinate shows what the industry of tomorrow could look like. At the energy-intensive industrial company Irlbacher, which specializes in glass processing, a vision is already becoming reality today: 100% renewable energy through the intelligent combination of energy consumption and generation.
The modular FlexA energy management system from Consolinno plays a key role in this. With the help of AI-supported forecasts, consumption and production are coordinated in such a way that renewable energies can be used optimally. The results are impressive:
- 2.5 MW flexible consumers ensure maximum efficiency.
- Energy costs fall significantly.
- Security of supply is guaranteed even in the event of fluctuations.
This project shows: Sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive - on the contrary, they fuel each other.
A common path forward
Decarbonization requires more than just technology. It is a task that industry, research and politics can only accomplish together. Targeted funding programs - for example from the BMBF or at state level - offer important support for companies that want to take the step towards a climate-neutral future. [1]
And it is companies like us that act as initiators and enablers together with partners who share our attitude: understanding readiness and change as an opportunity and actively helping to shape it.
Outlook: Industry 2030
Imagine what German industry could look like in 2030: Production that is efficient, flexible and climate-neutral. A company that generates a large proportion of its own energy or procures it through direct partnerships and is not exposed to the price fluctuations of the wholesale markets. An economy that sets global standards for innovation and sustainability. A society that is proud to be a pioneer for change.
The journey there begins today - with every company that is prepared to rethink. The technologies, the knowledge and the partners are there. The only question is: do we want to shape the future or be overtaken by it?
Sources:
[3] https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/konjunktur/umfrage-krise-wirtschaftsverbaende-100.html