Industrial gathering scheduled, focusing on climate change, electricity costs, and workforce matters
Brandenburg Pushes for Industrial Climate Neutrality and Economic Growth
Brandenburg, Germany, is set to host an industry conference in September, led by Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) and Minister of Economy Daniel Keller (SPD). The conference aims to discuss paths to climate neutrality and workforce acquisition, as well as explore the needs of businesses in terms of digitization, decarbonization, and workforce acquisition through an "Industry Alliance."
The state's strategy for achieving climate neutrality in the industrial sector emphasizes close coordination with large and energy-intensive companies. This collaborative approach involves science, business, and politics, with a key element being the state's Climate Guide, which enhances transparency and fosters faster networking and cooperation among stakeholders.
The Brandenburg Climate Plan, adopted in 2024, outlines 103 measures guiding the state to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. The plan includes efforts to decarbonize carbon-intensive industries through research-driven approaches, such as developing closed carbon cycles using renewable energies and chemical recycling of residual materials to reduce emissions within heavy industries.
Coordination mechanisms include engaging scientific institutions, like the Brandenburg Scientific Climate Council and research centers like BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), working closely with industry actors to design effective decarbonization pathways. Dialogue platforms and panel discussions bring together government representatives, industry leaders, and scientists to align strategies and share best practices for implementation.
Hybrid Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and green electricity sourcing partnerships with energy-intensive companies are also part of the strategy, securing stable, renewable energy supply and integrating storage solutions for stability. Municipal and regional projects demonstrate use of waste heat and sustainable energy supply, showing models for industry and infrastructure cooperation in energy transition.
The strategy combines policy frameworks, scientific guidance, innovative technologies, and stakeholder collaboration—not only aiming for emission reductions but also ensuring economic viability and social acceptance in the transition. The close linkage between industrial actors and research institutions is instrumental in implementing the Brandenburg Climate Plan effectively.
In addition, Keller plans to support municipalities with planning costs to develop areas for commercial and industrial settlement more quickly. The Ministry states that the Industry Alliance will institutionalize the exchange with large Brandenburg companies.
However, the German economy is still facing struggles this year. The federal government has decided to make the reduction in the electricity tax for industrial businesses permanent from 2026, not for all businesses and citizens. The steel industry, as well as the automotive and supplier industries, are experiencing difficulties. Approximately 5,000 industrial companies operate in Brandenburg, employing around 100,000 people.
In March, a meeting between the state government, businesses, and associations took place. Keller's goal is to enable entrepreneurs to implement investments quickly, using examples like the rail plant or Tesla as reference. The state should be able to inform businesses about the development of electricity prices in 15 years, according to Keller's suggestions.
In conclusion, Brandenburg's approach to industrial climate neutrality is a coordinated network involving government, research, and large companies. The aim is to implement innovative renewable energy use, energy efficiency, and carbon cycle innovations, supported by tools like the Climate Guide and collaborative platforms. The state is also working to support businesses and municipalities in navigating economic challenges.
- Brandenburg's industry conference, set for September, will involve discussions on climate neutrality, digitization, decarbonization, and workforce acquisition through an "Industry Alliance."
- The Brandenburg Climate Plan, adopted in 2024, aims to reach climate neutrality by 2045, focusing on research-driven decarbonization strategies in carbon-intensive industries.
- Stakeholder collaboration is key in implementing the Brandenburg Climate Plan effectively, with scientific institutions like the Brandenburg Scientific Climate Council and research centers such as BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) playing significant roles.
- Despite economic challenges, Keller plans to support Brandenburg's industrial sector by institutionalizing exchange with large companies and aiding municipalities in planning costs for commercial and industrial settlement.
