Electricity prices in Germany are forecast to amount to ***** euros per megawatt-hour in November 2025. Electricity prices in the country have not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Electricity price recovery German electricity prices began recovering back to pre-energy crisis levels in 2024, a period driven by a complex interplay of factors, including increased heating demand, reduced wind power generation, and water scarcity affecting hydropower production. Despite Germany's progress in renewable energy sources, with over ** percent of gross electricity generated from renewable sources in 2024, the country still relies heavily on fossil fuels. Coal and natural gas accounted for approximately ** percent of the energy mix, making Germany vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices. Impact on consumers and future outlook The volatility in electricity prices has directly impacted German consumers. As of April 1, 2024, households with basic supplier contracts were paying around ** cents per kilowatt-hour, making it the most expensive option compared to other providers or special contracts. The breakdown of household electricity prices in 2023 showed that supply and margin, along with energy procurement, constituted the largest controllable components, amounting to **** and **** euro cents per kilowatt-hour, respectively. While prices have decreased since the 2022 peak, they remain higher than pre-crisis levels, underscoring the ongoing challenges in Germany's energy sector as it continues its transition towards renewable sources.

Between September 2021 and January 2023, Germany was the leading European nation in terms of government spending as a share of GDP in response to the energy crisis. During this time, Germany's spending on government regulations and subsidies addressing the energy crisis amounted to *** percent of its GDP.

Between September 2021 and January 2023, Germany allocated some *** billion euros to protect households and businesses from the energy crisis. In the United Kingdom, allocated funding amounted to *** billion euros.

Over ** percent of the gross electricity generated in Germany in 2024 came from renewable sources, with wind power being the most prominent. However, the country is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels for domestic power production. In 2024, over ** percent of gross electricity was generated using lignite and hard coal, considered the most polluting of energy sources. Natural gas contributed another *** percent. Coal power plant pollution Coal plants are the biggest polluters in the European Union. Six out of the ** most polluting coal-fired power plants in the EU were located in Germany in 2022. Germany's Neurath plant produced some ** million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent that year. Although the government had previously agreed to end its reliance on coal by the year 2030, this fossil fuel made a comeback in 2022 during the global energy crisis. Germany's move towards renewables Despite coal's continued contribution to the power mix, Germany's renewable electricity generation has increased by roughly ** percent in one decade. Growth within the wind power sector has been especially notable. By 2022, onshore wind farms generated almost 100 terawatt-hours of electricity, while offshore farms produced an additional ** terawatt-hours.

This dataset and codebook correspond to the second round of survey data gathered in Germany in 2023, within the project FULFILL - Fundamental Decarbonisation Through Sufficiency By Lifestyle Changes.

As part of Work Package 3 (WP3) in the FULFILL project, we collected quantitative data from six countries: Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, and India. The first round of the survey, consisted of recruiting a representative sample of approximately 2000 households in each country. In this second survey round, we recruit around 500 respondents from the initial survey round, ensuring representativity is maintained.

This survey is very similar to the survey in the first round and includes a lot of identical items, including a quantitative assessment of the carbon footprint in the housing, mobility, and diet sectors, socio-economic factors such as age, gender, income, education, household size, life stage, and political orientation. Furthermore, the survey includes measures of quality of life, encompassing aspects such as health and well-being, environmental quality, financial security, and comfort.

New for this second round, we have incorporated questions regarding the measures respondents adopted in response to the 2022 energy crisis.

The legislation to phase out coal-fired power generation marked the beginning of a far-reaching structural transformation for the German coal mining industry. Due to the fact that coal extraction and use for energy generation is considered extremely harmful to the environment, parliament passed a law in August 2020 to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2038. The Coal-fired Power Generation Termination Act set binding shutdown dates that stipulated the reduction in coal production. Many operators took part in tendering rounds for the early decommissioning of power plants, which led to considerable write-downs on existing plants. At the same time, the so-called perpetual obligations oblige companies to finance extensive environmental and safety measures even after the end of active mining. Since 2020, the industry has recorded average annual growth in industry turnover of 1.2 %. This growth was driven by increased compensation payments and a rise in production volumes during periods of energy crisis. However, rising costs for recultivation and environmental protection weighed heavily on the industry.In the current year, the industry is under pressure as a result of the continuing decline in coal production and lower electricity consumption. Turnover is expected to fall by 4.3% to 1.8 billion euros. The decline in coal-fired power generation by more than a quarter illustrates the ongoing displacement of fossil fuels by renewable energies. At the same time, lignite remains important as a short-term backup system, particularly in the event of weather-related production outages at wind turbines. In the short term, companies benefit from higher sales in phases of low feed-in from renewable energy sources, but rising prices for emissions certificates and shorter operating times reduce profit margins. The profits of coal mining companies are also dampened by rising provisions for perpetual obligations and long-term liability obligations. Corporate strategies are therefore focussing on investments in safety systems, damage prevention and the controlled dismantling of decommissioned plants.The downward trend in the industry is expected to accelerate over the next five years. Turnover is expected to fall by an average of 6.2% per year until 2030 and reach 1.3 billion euros. The decline is due to the ongoing decommissioning of coal-fired power plants, which are increasingly only allowed to be operated as a grid reserve. The Federal Network Agency is planning additional controllable power plant capacities by 2035. The remaining coal capacities in particular will then remain relevant for system services or reserve payments. At the same time, the leading mining companies are diversifying into energy suppliers with a focus on renewable power generation, battery storage and hydrogen technologies. The dismantling and recultivation of opencast mining sites is creating new economic areas for agriculture, forestry and solar energy. However, rising costs for renaturalisation and aftercare are placing a financial burden on the industry and significantly increasing the pressure to adapt.

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Renewable Energy Investment Market Size 2024-2028

The renewable energy investment market size is forecast to increase by USD 181.9 billion at a CAGR of 8.11% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by supportive government policies and increased spending on utility-scale projects. According to the latest market analysis, the global renewable energy sector is anticipated to witness substantial investments due to the increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Governments worldwide are implementing policies and incentives to promote renewable energy adoption, creating a favorable business environment for investors. Moreover, the trend towards large-scale renewable energy projects is gaining momentum, with utility-scale solar and wind farms attracting substantial investments. However, the market is not without challenges. Competition from traditional energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, remains a significant barrier to growth. The volatility of renewable energy sources and the intermittency of solar and wind power generation are also concerns for investors. To capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively, companies must stay informed about regulatory developments, technological advancements, and market trends. Strategic partnerships, innovation, and operational efficiency will be key differentiators for success in the market.

What will be the Size of the Renewable Energy Investment Market during the forecast period?

Request Free SampleThe market in the US is experiencing growth, driven by the increasing deployment of solar technology and offshore wind for electricity generation. Utility-scale solar projects are leading the charge, with capacity additions expected to continue due to grid resilience and energy affordability concerns. Federal investments and energy security considerations are also significant growth factors, as the US seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement and various clean energy laws. Policy developments, such as renewable portfolio standards and tax-credit transfer markets, are further fueling the market's expansion. The manufacturing sector is also playing a crucial role, with advancements in solar, wind, and biofuels technology driving innovation and efficiency. The renewable energy sector's growth is not limited to the US, as the EU and other regions are also making substantial investments in renewable energy. The IEA assessment indicates that renewable energy will continue to dominate new electricity capacity additions, with biofuels and generative artificial intelligence also playing a role in the energy transition. The energy crisis and decarbonization targets are further emphasizing the importance of renewable energy in the power system integration. The UN Climate Change Conference's Energy Transitions Stocktake and the Paris Agreement's policy developments are also influencing the market's direction. Overall, the renewable energy market is a dynamic and growing sector, with significant potential for continued expansion.

How is this Renewable Energy Investment Industry segmented?

The renewable energy investment industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments. TypeAsset financeSmall distributed capacityGeographyAPACChinaJapanNorth AmericaUSEuropeGermanySouth AmericaBrazilMiddle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The asset finance segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.The market is experiencing significant growth as businesses seek energy affordability and decarbonization solutions amidst increasing energy crisis and regulatory boosts. companies offering financial services for renewable power projects, such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, are playing a crucial role in this expansion. These entities provide investments for small-scale clean energy projects, enabling businesses, manufacturers, commercial property owners, and farmers to transition to a low-emission future. However, investments in solar thermal projects, including concentrated solar power (CSP) and solar heating systems, have declined, with offshore wind now holding the third-largest share of investments at 7%. Hydroelectric power accounts for 4%, while other renewables account for 3%. Policy developments, such as renewable portfolio standards and clean energy laws, are driving the demand for fossil fuel alternatives, particularly wind technology and solar PV. Infrastructure investment in distributed systems, grid resilience, and power system integration is also essential for the competitiveness of renewable energy. Despite challenges, such as labor costs, transmission limitations, and permitting del

Dealing with the climate crisis requires tackling three challenges regarding the production, integration and efficient use of energy, addressed in the three chapters of this dissertation. First, energy efficiency is widely recognised as an effective means to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, as well as a cost-efficient solution towards the decarbonisation of the economy. However, impact evaluations of existing energy efficiency policies are rare. Second, vast amounts of renewable energy are needed in order to replace fossil fuels in the energy mix. As renewable energies are being expanded, concerns about social acceptance of renewables become more pressing, especially for technologies like onshore wind power. On the other hand, policies intended to increase social acceptance may harm the expansion of renewable energy. Third, renewable energy needs to be integrated into the current energy systems using flexibility options such as demand response. However, a set of barriers needs to be overcome in power markets, in order to move from an inelastic demand side to flexible loads. Chapter 1 evaluates the impact of energy efficiency networks, an instrument designed to boost energy efficiency in industry. In energy efficiency networks, groups of firms exchange experiences on energy conservation in regular meetings over several years. The companies implement energy efficiency measures in order to reach commonly agreed energy savings and CO2 reduction goals. Energy efficiency networks exist in several countries, such as Germany, Sweden and China. Existing evaluations of such voluntary regional networks in Germany claim that participants improved energy efficiency at twice the speed of the industry average. Based on comprehensive data from the German manufacturing census, chapter 1 examines whether participation in energy efficiency networks has a causal impact on energy conservation and CO2 emissions. I demonstrate that for the average participant there is no statistically significant effect on energy productivity or CO2 emissions due to the network activities. While a small network effect may exist, power calculations show that this effect would be smaller than predicted by the previous literature. However, there is some indication that exporters may have benefitted from the networks by reducing their CO2 emissions. Chapter 2 shows that strict minimum distances have detrimental consequences for onshore wind power. The chapter evaluates the causal effect of the introduction of minimum distance regulation in Bavaria on construction permits for wind turbines. In order to increase public acceptance of wind power, several countries and regions have introduced mandatory minimum distances of wind turbines to nearby residential areas. Germany’s largest federal state Bavaria introduced such separation distances of ten times the height of new wind turbines in 2014. We construct a novel monthly district-level dataset of construction permits for wind turbines constructed in Germany between 2010 and 2018. We use this dataset to evaluate the causal effect of introducing the Bavarian minimum distance regulation on the issuance of construction permits for wind turbines. We find that permits decreased by up to 90 percent. This decrease is in the same order of magnitude as the reduction of land area available for wind turbines. The results are in line with findings indicating that minimum distances do not increase the public acceptance of wind power, but harm the expansion of onshore wind power. Alternative policies are better suited to facilitate acceptance without hampering the expansion of wind power. Chapter 3 analyses the role of aggregators – intermediaries between consumers and energy markets – in facilitating industrial demand response. Based on the results from semi-structured interviews with German demand response aggregators, as well as a wider stakeholder online survey, we examine the role of aggregators in overcoming a set of barriers to industrial demand response. We find that central roles for aggregators are to raise awareness for the potentials of demand response, as well as to support implementation by engaging key actors in industrial companies. Demand response aggregators thus drive organisational change. Moreover, we develop a taxonomy that helps analyse how the different functional roles of aggregators create economic value. We find that there is considerable heterogeneity in the kind of services that aggregators offer, many of which do create significant economic value. However, some of the current aggregator roles may become obsolete once market barriers to demand response are reduced or knowledge on demand response becomes more diffused.

German industrial electricity costs are made up of several components. The largest of these is a combination of energy procurement, network charges, and distribution. Thus far in 2024, this accounted for around **** percent of costs.  What is industrial electricity? Industrial electricity is an extremely broad field, covering electrical power used in production and manufacturing. These are industrial processes. Industrial electrical systems are considerably more complex than those used for residential and commercial purposes, as industrial use by definition includes different types and volumes of demand, operation, and maintenance. Systems in residential buildings require less voltage and are developed for smaller spaces. Commercial electricity is used to power the work of businesses and commercial real estate. Rising electricity prices have been an issue for industries, businesses, and private households around the world since the global energy crisis. As of 2024, commercial electricity prices were noticeably higher than industrial.   Electricity generation in Germany Various energy sources are used to generate electricity in Germany. Not all of them are renewable, or at least the complete energy transition has not happened yet. The leading sources used for electricity generation are wind, lignite (brown coal), and natural gas. Domestic production figures for the latter have been decreasing, thus consequently making Germany reliant on gas imports from other countries. 

The mechanical processing of metal parts industry has been exposed to a volatile market environment over the past five years. The coronavirus pandemic hit the industry hard in 2020 as a disruptive event. One of the consequences of the pandemic was a slump in demand from the manufacturing sector, which meant that industry players lost many orders. The outbreak of the war in Ukraine led to further supply chain difficulties and the subsequent energy crisis led to rising production costs, which further damaged the industry. Energy prices have stabilised since 2023, but remain at a high level and lead to a high cost burden. In addition, manufacturers are facing a decline in production volumes in the sector due to weak demand in the mechanical engineering and automotive industries. This has led to increased price competition within the industry.In the same period, however, more technical processes were implemented, which led to increasing automation of industry activities. The associated increase in the degree of specialisation in the industry meant that it became increasingly attractive for potential customers not to carry out the mechanical processing of metal parts themselves, but to outsource this to industry players. Overall, industry sales have developed positively over the last five years with average growth of 0.7 %. This is mainly due to strong sales growth in 2021 and 2022, as there was a high pent-up demand after the peak phase of the pandemic. Manufacturers also benefited from higher prices for steel products. Raw material prices for steel have since fallen again and the decline in demand from customer markets such as mechanical engineering is likely to lead to a 1.3% drop in industry turnover to €25.6 billion in the current year.The development of the sector is closely linked to the development of the automotive industry, rail vehicle construction, mechanical engineering and other branches of industry. Production volumes in Germany are expected to decline in the current year. The negative development of the order situation in mechanical engineering is also likely to reduce demand for metal parts. A no less important influencing factor for industry players is the situation on the steel market, as the industry's products are predominantly made of steel. In the next five years, industry turnover is expected to grow again. It is expected to increase by an average of 2.2% per year to 28.5 billion euros by 2030. This development is linked to the expected technological progress within the industry. Increasing automation in the industry could increase the profit margin again in the future. In addition, the increase in turnover and demand should encourage more companies to enter the market. This should increase both the number of industry players and the total number of employees, although the number of staff required per company is likely to fall as a result of increasing automation.

This graph depicts data on the year-on-year sales price development in the wholesale sector in Germany from 2000 to 2023. In 2023, wholesale prices decreased by **** percent compared to the previous year. 2022 saw a huge increase in prices, caused by a number of factors including inflation and the energy crisis.

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Bioenergy Market Size and Trends

The bioenergy market size is forecasted to increase by USD 88.4 billion, at a CAGR of 7.81% between 2023 and 2028. The market's growth hinges on various factors, notably escalating concerns regarding the environment and energy security, alongside an augmented demand for renewable, clean fuel sources. Supportive government policies further propel this trajectory, fostering a conducive environment for market expansion. As sustainability takes center stage globally, industries are increasingly turning towards renewable energy solutions to mitigate environmental impact and enhance energy resilience. This paradigm shift towards clean fuel underscores the market's pivotal role in addressing contemporary energy challenges. With governments incentivizing renewable energy adoption and fostering innovation in this domain, especially in clean energy technologies, the market is poised for substantial growth, driving advancements towards a more sustainable and secure energy future.

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The market encompasses various renewable sources, including biomass, agricultural waste, and solid waste. Biofuels, such as biogas and liquid biofuels derived from these sources, play a significant role in this sector. Bioorganic waste, including timber, compost, sugarcane, straw, and other agricultural residues, serves as essential feedstocks for bioenergy production. The installed base of bioenergy technologies includes biogas plants, dle (direct liquid extraction) systems, and green hydrogen production facilities. Landfills can also be utilized as sources of biogas and energy. Renewable energy investment in bioenergy has been increasing due to the potential for electricity generation, energy security, and mitigating the energy crisis. Biomass supply is a critical factor in the success of this industry, with ongoing research and development in bioenergy investment and bioenergy technologies. Bioenergy from biomass and organic waste can be converted into various forms, including biogas, liquid biofuels, and green hydrogen. These alternative energy sources offer a sustainable solution to the reliance on traditional fossil fuels like oil.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD Billion' for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.

Application Outlook

  Off-grid electricity
  Cooking 
  Transportation 
  Others





Product Type Outlook 


  Liquid biofuel 
  Solid biomass 
  Biogas 





Region Outlook 

  North America

    The U.S.
    Canada





  Europe

    The U.K.
    Germany
    France
    Rest of Europe





  APAC

    China
    India





  Middle East & Africa

    Saudi Arabia
    South Africa
    Rest of the Middle East & Africa


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil
    Chile

By Application Insights

The market share growth by the transportation segment will be significant during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to factors such as a rise in the demand for biodiesel products. Biodiesel is an alternative to regular diesel for diesel engines, as it is environmentally friendly.

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The transportation segment showed a gradual increase in the market share of USD 62.90 billion in 2018. Conventional fuels are increasingly being replaced by alternatives such as bioethanol and biodiesel. Biodiesel, gasoline-blended methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)/tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME), and dimethyl ether (DME) are widely used in the automotive industry. The demand for fuels such as MTBE/TAME, biodiesel, and DME is expected to rise during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of emission-controlled fuels.

Regional Analysis

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North America is estimated to contribute 28% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. Another region offering significant growth opportunities to companies is Europe. European market witnesses significant investment due to its role in ensuring energy security and reducing reliance on oil. With oil price fluctuations, the need for alternative and renewable energy sources has become increasingly important. Biofuel technologies, such as cellulosic ethanol and algae-based biofuels, are strategic announcements towards a sustainable energy future. Solid biomass resources, including agricultural byproducts and waste materials, serve as the primary feedstocks for bioenergy production. Biogas demand continues to rise, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the utiliz

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Commercial Water Heaters Market Size 2024-2028

The commercial water heaters market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.62 billion at a CAGR of 4.36% between 2023 and 2028.

The commercial water heater market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand from the hospitality sector, particularly in regions with a high tourist population. Additionally, there is a rising trend towards energy efficiency in commercial buildings, leading to increased initiatives for the installation of energy-efficient water heating systems.
However, the high installation and maintenance costs associated with commercial water heaters can be a challenge for market growth. To mitigate this, manufacturers are focusing on developing cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions, such as tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters. Furthermore, government regulations and incentives are also driving the adoption of energy-efficient water heating systems in commercial buildings. Overall, the commercial water heater market is expected to continue growing, driven by these trends and the increasing demand for hot water in various industries.

What will be the Commercial Water Heaters Market Size During the Forecast Period?

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The market is driven by the increasing demand for hot water in various industries, including healthcare, hotels, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities. The market is segmented based on energy sources, with oil, electricity, solar, and renewable sources being the major categories. Corporate places are increasingly adopting energy-efficient and sustainable solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of energy crises. Renewable water sources, such as solar and heat pumps, are gaining popularity due to their ability to reduce CO2 emissions.
Additionally, technologically advanced solutions, such as heat recovery systems and smart water heaters, are also gaining traction due to their energy efficiency and cost savings. Incentives from governments and regulatory bodies are further boosting the market growth. The market is expected to grow at a significant rate, with Massachusetts being a key market due to its stringent energy efficiency regulations. The market is expected to remain competitive, with key players focusing on product innovation and energy efficiency to gain a competitive edge.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Electric water heater
  Gas water heater
  Solar water heater


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Europe

    Germany


  North America

    US


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The electric water heater segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Commercial water heating systems play a crucial role in various industries, including healthcare, hotels, restaurants, and corporate places. The energy source for these systems has been traditionally derived from oil and electricity. However, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of renewable sources such as solar, heat pumps, and biofuels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the energy crisis. Rinnai Corporation, among others, offers dual fuel heaters that use both electricity and gas, providing flexibility in fuel type and enhancing energy efficiency. Moreover, energy-efficient heaters, such as condensing and heat pump heaters, have gained popularity due to their high heat recovery factor and low CO2 emission.

Additionally, institutes, offices, salons, SPAs, cafes, schools, and colleges are increasingly investing in energy-efficient water heating solutions to improve building energy performance and reduce energy consumption. The Massachusetts legislature, for instance, mandates that all new commercial buildings must meet certain energy efficiency standards. Heat pumps, a type of renewable energy technology, are gaining traction as an alternative to traditional water heating systems. These systems use electricity to transfer heat from the ambient air or water to the water in the tank, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for commercial establishments. The energy performance of these systems is influenced by factors such as insulation, power capacity, and storage capacity.

In conclusion, the commercial water heater market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient and renewable energy-based heating solutions. companies are focusing on developing innovative products that cater to the diverse needs of various industries wh

Electricity prices in Europe are expected to remain volatile through 2025, with Italy projected to have some of the highest rates among major European economies. This trend reflects the ongoing challenges in the energy sector, including the transition to renewable sources and the impact of geopolitical events on supply chains. Despite efforts to stabilize the market, prices still have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, such as in countries like Italy, where prices are forecast to reach ****** euros per megawatt hour in September 2025. Natural gas futures shaping electricity costs The electricity market's future trajectory is closely tied to natural gas prices, a key component in power generation. Dutch TTF gas futures, a benchmark for European natural gas prices, are projected to be ***** euros per megawatt hour in July 2025. The reduced output from the Groningen gas field and increased reliance on imports further complicate the pricing landscape, potentially contributing to higher electricity costs in countries like Italy. Regional disparities and global market influences While European electricity prices remain high, significant regional differences persist. For instance, natural gas prices in the United States are expected to be roughly one-third of those in Europe by March 2025, at **** U.S. dollars per million British thermal units. This stark contrast highlights the impact of domestic production capabilities on global natural gas prices. Europe's greater reliance on imports, particularly in the aftermath of geopolitical tensions and the shift away from Russian gas, continues to keep prices elevated compared to more self-sufficient markets. As a result, countries like Italy may face sustained pressure on electricity prices due to their position within the broader European energy market. As of August 2025, electricity prices in Italy have decreased to ****** euros per megawatt hour, reflecting ongoing volatility in the market.

In 2022, about ** percent of respondents in Germany answered that they were going to pay more attention to Black Friday offers. ** percent said that they were planning to buy less overall. This year, Black Friday is taking place on 24 November, 2023. The survey asked respondents in Germany how the high inflation and energy crisis would impact their shopping behavior on the day.

Der Krisenmonitor wird vom Meinungsforschungsinstitut forsa im Auftrag des Presse- und Informationsamtes der Bundesregierung seit Kalenderwoche 1/2023 regelmäßig durchgeführt. Der Krisenmonitor ist die Fortsetzung der im Zeitraum von Kalenderwoche 13/2022 bis 50/2022 regelmäßig von forsa durchgeführten repräsentativen Bevölkerungsbefragungen Trendfragen Ukraine zum Thema Deutschland und der Ukraine-Krieg. Die einzelnen Fragengebiete wurden je nach Befragungszeitraum angepasst. Im Erhebungszeitraum 30.10.2023 bis 01.11.2023 wurde die deutschsprachige Wohnbevölkerung ab 14 Jahren in telefonischen Interviews (CATI) befragt. Die Auswahl der Befragten erfolgte durch eine mehrstufige Zufallsstichprobe. Stärke der persönlichen Belastung durch die aktuelle Situation rund um die derzeitigen Krisen in Deutschland; Entwicklungen in Deutschland, die persönlich am meisten Sorgen bereiten; Energiesparen weiterhin nötig für eine stabile Energieversorgung in diesem Winter; Meinung zum Streitmaß in wichtigen politischen Fragen (es wird zu viel, zu wenig oder gerade richtig gestritten); persönliches Sicherheitsgefühl in Deutschland; Einschätzung des Konfliktpotentials in Deutschland zwischen verschiedenen gesellschaftlichen Gruppen (Arm und Reich, Jungen und Alten, Ostdeutschen und Westdeutschen, linken und rechten politischen Kräften, Ausländern und Deutschen, ukrainischen Flüchtlingen und Deutschen, Befürwortern und Gegnern strengerer Klimaschutzmaßnahmen, Menschen mit unterschiedlichen Ansichten zur Situation im Nahen Osten); Stärke der persönlichen Belastung durch den Krieg in der Ukraine und die darüber wahrgenommenen Medieninhalte; Deutschland sollte die beschlossenen wirtschaftlichen Sanktionen gegen Russland weiterhin aufrechterhalten vs. beenden; Stärke der persönlichen Belastung durch den Krieg in Israel und den palästinensischen Gebieten und die darüber wahrgenommenen Medieninhalte; Deutschland sollte aufgrund seiner Geschichte für die Existenz und die Sicherheit Israels einstehen vs. ist keine Aufgabe Deutschlands; Informiertheit über die Ereignisse in Israel und den palästinensischen Gebieten; Glaubwürdigkeit von Informationen zu den Ereignissen in Israel und den palästinensischen Gebieten von folgenden Informationsquellen: Videos aus sozialen Netzwerken vom Geschehen vor Ort, Nachrichten im öffentlich-rechtlichen Fernsehen und Informationen der Bundesregierung. Demographie: Geschlecht; Alter (gruppiert); Erwerbstätigkeit; Bildung; Parteipräferenz bei der nächsten Bundestagswahl; Wahlverhalten bei der letzten Bundestagswahl; Einkommenslage niedrig, mittel, hoch, Rest (Nettoäquivalenzeinkommen). Zusätzlich verkodet wurde: Region West/Ost; Bundesland; Gewichtungsfaktor. The Crisis Monitor has been conducted regularly by the opinion research institute forsa on behalf of the Press and Information Office of the Federal Government since calendar week 1/2023. The Crisis Monitor is the continuation of the representative population surveys conducted regularly by forsa from calendar week 13/2022 to 50/2022 on the topic of Germany and the war in Ukraine. The individual question areas were adjusted depending on the survey period. In the survey period from 30.10.2023 to 01.11.2023, the German-speaking resident population aged 14 and over was surveyed in telephone interviews (CATI). Respondents were selected using a multi-stage random sample. Level of personal stress caused by the current situation surrounding the current crises in Germany; developments in Germany that cause the most personal concern; energy saving still necessary for a stable energy supply this winter; opinion on the level of controversy in important political issues (there is too much, too little or just the right amount of controversy); personal feeling of security in Germany; assessment of the potential for conflict in Germany between different social groups (rich and poor, young and old, East Germans and West Germans, left-wing and right-wing political forces, foreigners and Germans, Ukrainian refugees and Germans, supporters and opponents of stricter climate protection measures, people with different views on the situation in the Middle East); level of personal stress caused by the war in Ukraine and the media content perceived about it; Germany should continue to uphold the economic sanctions against Russia vs. end them; level of personal exposure to the war in Israel and the Palestinian territories and the media content perceived about it; Germany should stand up for the existence and security of Israel due to its history vs. is not a task for Germany; being informed about the events in Israel and the Palestinian territories; credibility of information on the events in Israel and the Palestinian territories from the following sources of information: Videos from social networks of events on the ground, news on public television and information from the German government. Demography: sex; age (grouped); employment; education; party preference in the next federal election; voting behavior in the last federal election; income level low, medium, high, rest (net equivalent income). Additionally coded were: West/East region; federal state; weighting factor. Telephone interview: CATI Deutschsprachige Wohnbevölkerung ab 14 Jahren German-speaking resident population aged 14 and over

In most European cities, energy prices constituted the main share of the residential end-user electricity price in July 2025. Energy price shares are among the highest in the capital cities of Cyprus, Malta, and Greece, which are largely reliant on energy imports. Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Brussels account for the largest energy taxes in the region. In the Danish capital, for instance, energy taxes -including VAT- represented ** percent of the residential electricity price. Household electricity prices around the world Italy and Germany have some of the highest electricity prices in the world. Heavily reliant on natural gas imports, these two countries were profoundly stricken by the 2022 energy crisis. Overall, Western Europe is the most expensive region for household power purchases, while many large energy-producing countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia offer their residents the cheapest average rates. Heating gas prices in European cities In terms of residential use gas prices in Europe, Stockholm was the most expensive city in January 2025. Inhabitants of Sweden's capital paid for gas over 8* percent more than consumers in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, which ranked second. Imports dominate Sweden's gas supply.

Among European Union countries, Slovakia is the most dependent on Russian oil and petroleum products. In 2020, Russia was the origin country for 78 percent of the country's total imports of such commodities. In Germany, Russian oil products held a 30 percent market share. This has become cause for concern for the EU as it tries to distance itself from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. An already unfolding energy crisis was worsened as a result.

Europe is Russia’s largest oil export market

When EU leaders began debating how to sanction Russia, it illuminated an unfortunate predicament. Namely, the fact that many European countries had grown strongly dependent on energy supplies from their oil and gas-rich neighbor. Apart from Norway, Russia is the only country located on the European continent with sizable reserves of these fossil fuels. Buoyed by their relative close proximity, EU member states such as the Netherlands (a refinery hub), Germany, and Poland have thus been among Russia’s main crude oil export destinations for years.

Rising energy costs and insecurity

When the EU decided to cut out Russian oil and gas imports as much as possible, it put further upward pressure on an already hot commodity market. The Russia-Ukraine war had led to many market traders anticipating some of the worst oil constraints seen since the oil crisis of 2014, and benchmark prices rose significantly. As energy prices are largely determined by the price of fossil fuels, a respectable share of Europeans has been struggling to pay their energy bills.

As of 2024, electric vehicles still had a low market share in Germany, at around three percent for battery-powered electric vehicles and almost two percent for plug-in hybrids. However, both figures were an increase compared to the previous year. This hints at a market with potential. German electromobility Electric cars continue to generate increasing interest around the world for various reasons. One of the long-term targets of the German government is a fossil fuel exit, and electromobility could be the key. In light of growing climate change concerns and the ongoing energy crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine war, electric cars are considered the car of the future. While Tesla is the number one electric car manufacturer in the world, Germany’s own Volkswagen also sells electric vehicles, with around 237,000 cars belonging to the brand as of 2024. Hybrid, mild hybrid, battery electric and plug-in hybrid are the types currently available on the German market. Miles to go German new electric car registrations increased annually. While the prices of the vehicles themselves and rising cost of living in general in the country are undoubtedly contributing factors for these numbers, another is the still developing infrastructure for charging electric cars. As of 2024 thus far, newly installed charging stations totaled 5,741.

In 2023, the number of residential smart meters in the United States amounted to 112 million, up from less than 40 millions in 2012. This trend suggests a growing awareness and adoption of smart meter technology among American households. Energy costs on the rise This increase in smart meter usage may be due in part to rising energy costs around the world. While the United States has not been hit by rising energy costs in the same way as many European countries, it has not been immune to the global fuel shortage in the early 2020s. Despite having a strong domestic energy sector, the price of electricity in the U.S. increased by four percent in January 2025. Additionally, the consumer price index for energy in the U.S. shot up to 136 in 2024. These cost increases prompt consumers to investigate how to save on their energy bills. Smart meters can help households track their energy usage and identify areas where they can make changes to reduce their energy consumption. The energy crisis in Europe Energy costs have also been a concern in Europe, where many countries are heavily reliant on Russian energy imports. Energy price hikes have hit the European countries particularly hard, where wholesale electricity prices have surpassed 400 euros per megawatt-hour in 2022. In 2023, the share of households equipped with a smart meter in Europe ranged between 100 percent in Spain, Italy, and the Nordic countries and one percent in Germany.