Comment by Markus W. Voigt, CEO aream Group

Regardless of the form and color of the new government, the outcome of the Bundestag elections has shown how deeply the energy transition is already anchored in society's catalog of tasks. The details are still debatable, but the path taken is now irreversible. 

Renewable energies have written an unprecedented success story. From the tender beginning with the 1,000 roofs program to the increase to the 100,000 roofs program, renewable energies have managed to become the most important source of electricity in Germany within less than 20 years. Initially subsidized and supported first by government money, then by a levy on the electricity price, new plants are now profitable without subsidies. 

For a long time, however, this did not change the perception in parts of politics that electricity from wind and sun would remain a niche rather than become a serious energy source. Too strongly anchored in some people's minds was the vision of a centralized, gigantic coal, gas or nuclear power plant that would send electricity to the surrounding towns, houses, apartments and sockets via a web of cable lines. 

But those days are over. The 2021 federal election showed that the parties, sometimes driven by their constituents, no longer fear the revenge of the large-scale power plant dinosaurs and are turning to the path of renewable energies. It was also evident that the parties that favored an even more significant expansion were gaining votes. 

But it must not stop there. In the case of renewable energies, investors are now lining up to finance the further development of both the power generation plants and the infrastructure behind them. Always also selfishly with the hope of adequate profits. Importantly, it should be noted that renewable energies no longer need subsidies. Where else do private self-interest and social benefit go so much in parallel? It would also be unrealistic to assume that the state can manage the energy turnaround on its own, given the billions in investment required. Or that the large energy suppliers will now quickly mutate into green representatives of a decentralized energy industry. 

Investors are lining up. That sounds good, but it's a real job for the new German government. They are queuing up because they are waiting. Because it takes far too long for plants to be built - until land is cleared, permits are issued and all the necessary conditions are met. A real acceleration of these procedures is necessary so that the social will for the energy turnaround, which was just expressed in the elections, can also be followed by action. Any federal government, however colorful, must quickly start removing hurdles here. Then the money of the investors waiting in line will be used to build the future of the energy industry and complete the energy transition.