COP29 Debriefing – Insights, challenges and opportunities

As the outcomes of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku come into focus, stakeholders across industries are assessing the implications for business and sustainability. While the vision for a low-carbon economy is clearer, challenges in implementation and scaling persist. Join our virtual event, "COP29 Debriefing – Insights, Challenges, and Opportunities," where our Partners Hannah Zühlke, Daria Koroleva and David Frans will provide an overview of COP29's key takeaways, insights on aligning your business with climate goals, and a live Q&A session for your questions. More information is available here.

Heat supply at a crossroads

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May 17, 2017

The heat supply of the future is renewable and decentralized. We analyze what this means for utilities in our publication "Wärmewende in Sicht".

Over the past 15 years, renewable energies have revolutionized the electricity market. New technologies have significantly reduced the cost of wind and solar energy production. Furthermore, digitalization is driving development towards a self-optimizing smart grid, which will bring with it new and innovative customer solutions.

Four trends will propel advancement in the heat sector. These trends influence and intensify one another:

Decarbonization is the prerequisite for achieving emission targets. To this end, the German Federal Government will continue providing regulatory support for the expansion of renewable energies.
Digitalization and new technologies will enable the implementation of decarbonization.
The decentralization of heat supply results primarily from the further expansion of renewable energies and their decentralized nature.
Convergence of the sectors will not only take place through sectorial cooperation (electricity, heat, industry and transport), as brought about by the national climate protection plan 2050 - but is driven mainly by new technologies.

For companies in the heat market, it is important to take the right course, as the level and structure of the electricity prices will change with the conversion of the energy system. Heat suppliers should formulate a strategy tailored to their local situation. This publication raises the most important questions and identifies the best courses for action.