Business discussions centered on climate, energy costs, and qualified labor force prioritized for upcoming industry meeting - Industrial Conference to Discuss Climate Matters, Electricity Costs, and Workforce Issues
Brandenburg, the eastern German state, is navigating a challenging economic landscape this year, with the German economy experiencing difficulties in gaining momentum [1]. In response, the state government is taking proactive measures to stimulate growth, particularly in the industrial sector.
One such initiative is the establishment of an "Alliance for Industry" to foster dialogue with major companies and institutionalize exchange [2]. This alliance aims to discuss key topics such as digitization, decarbonization, and attracting skilled workers.
Minister Daniel Keller, Brandenburg's Minister of Economics, is spearheading these efforts. He has expressed the need for the state to inform companies about the development of electricity prices over the next 15 years [3]. While specific price forecasts are not yet available, the broader German federal approach includes legislative measures to support low-carbon energy technologies and infrastructure [4].
Climate neutrality in Brandenburg's industry is a priority, with the state's current plan centering around the Brandenburg Climate Guide [5]. This guide facilitates faster cooperation and innovation between science, business, and politics to accelerate industrial decarbonization. Notable focus areas include advancing climate-neutral technologies, such as the development of green hydrogen for industrial use.
To attract the skilled workforce necessary for this transition, Brandenburg is engaging in dialogues with stakeholders including the Federal Employment Agency and institutes like the Wuppertal Institute [6]. These discussions aim to prepare the workforce for the transition away from fossil fuels by 2038 in Brandenburg.
Minister Keller is also advocating for quickly available areas for new company settlements [7]. Incentive instruments will be used to enable these settlements, with the goal of helping large, energy-intensive companies find a CO2 neutral path that complies with legal requirements and maintains competitiveness.
The state government is also committed to supporting municipalities with planning costs to develop areas for commercial and industrial settlement more quickly [8]. This support is expected to continue in the coming months.
In March, a meeting took place between the state government, companies, and associations, with the conference scheduled for September [9]. The conference in March involved discussions similar to the one planned for September, focusing on achieving climate neutrality and attracting skilled workers.
Approximately 5,000 industrial companies operate in Brandenburg, employing around 100,000 people [10]. The steel industry, as well as the automotive and supplier industries, are facing difficulties, making the state's efforts to support industrial growth even more critical.
The federal government is also taking steps to support industrial growth, with the reduction in electricity tax for industrial businesses expected to be made permanent from 2026, although not for all businesses and all citizens [11].
As Brandenburg moves forward with its plans for industrial growth and climate neutrality, it remains committed to a cost-effective and managed transition, aligning its policies with federal laws and EU cooperation.
[1] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-wirtschaft-kommt-langsam-voran-der-wirtschaft-in-brandenburg-kommt-langsam-voran/27131942.html [2] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-allianz-fuer-die-industrie-brandenburgs-minister-der-wirtschaft-will-industrie-konferenz-veranstalten/27138810.html [3] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-minister-der-wirtschaft-daniel-keller-will-energiepreise-in-den-naechsten-15-jahren-beobachten/27160598.html [4] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-minister-der-wirtschaft-daniel-keller-will-energiepreise-in-den-naechsten-15-jahren-beobachten/27160598.html [5] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-will-industrie-klimaneutral-machen/27100108.html [6] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-will-industrie-klimaneutral-machen/27100108.html [7] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-minister-der-wirtschaft-daniel-keller-will-energiepreise-in-den-naechsten-15-jahren-beobachten/27160598.html [8] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-minister-der-wirtschaft-daniel-keller-will-energiepreise-in-den-naechsten-15-jahren-beobachten/27160598.html [9] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-allianz-fuer-die-industrie-brandenburgs-minister-der-wirtschaft-will-industrie-konferenz-veranstalten/27138810.html [10] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-minister-der-wirtschaft-daniel-keller-will-energiepreise-in-den-naechsten-15-jahren-beobachten/27160598.html [11] www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/brandenburg-minister-der-wirtschaft-daniel-keller-will-energiepreise-in-den-naechsten-15-jahren-beobachten/27160598.html
- The state of Brandenburg, with a focus on the industrial sector, is implementing an employment policy that prioritizes decarbonization, digitalization, and the attraction of skilled workers in response to the ongoing economic difficulties.
- To advance climate-neutral technologies and maintain competitiveness, Brandenburg is engaging with the Federal Employment Agency and institutes like the Wuppertal Institute in discussions to prepare the workforce for the transition away from fossil fuels by 2038.
- Minister Keller has expressed the need to inform companies about the development of electricity prices over the next 15 years, aligning the state's policies with the broader German federal approach that includes legislative measures to support low-carbon energy technologies and infrastructure.
- As part of the state's efforts to support industrial growth, Minister Keller is advocating for quickly available areas for new company settlements, with incentive instruments being used to facilitate the process and maintain a CO2 neutral path.
