Press Release No. 03/2020 IG Metall: Works councils call for faster progress on the energy and heating transition

Frankfurt am Main – The energy transition in Germany is progressing only slowly. “There is no strategy for energy and heat supply. Key components of such a strategy include industrial policy support, long-term, reliable framework conditions for investment, and targeted labor market policies to accompany structural change,” said Wolfgang Lemb, executive board member of IG Metall, at an industry conference organized by the union in front of 100 works council members in Frankfurt.

A modern and efficient energy supply depends on skilled and secure jobs. “Companies must step up their training and continuing education efforts, equip employees with the skills needed for future-oriented technologies, and engage in forward-looking workforce planning. Investments are only successful if employees’ skills are further developed,” Lemb emphasized.

If, as agreed in the coalition agreement, the share of renewable energy is to rise to 65 percent by 2030, this will require more wind power and solar energy. It is essential that sufficient land be available for onshore wind power and that the cap on solar energy expansion (52 gigawatts) be lifted. Likewise, the expansion of smart distribution grids and the promotion of new storage technologies must be accelerated.

In addition to the wind, photovoltaic, and solar industries, key pillars of the energy transition include the heating industry as well as energy plant and power plant construction. For example, the expansion of flexible gas-fired power plants must be accelerated, and the rate of building retrofits must be doubled to 2 percent per year.

The integration of these sectors is crucial to the success of the energy transition. Conventional power plant construction can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions through innovations such as heat storage and combined heat and power (CHP).

Further information and press photos of Wolfgang Lemb