Molecular turnaround for climate protection and economy: EU Parliament faces major challenges

Climate protection and economic policy: The molecular turnaround as an opportunity

The link between climate protection and economic policy is the focus of the current challengeswhich the newly elected Eu Parliament A central role is played by the molecular revolution, which complements the energy revolution and requires new business models for CO2-neutral molecules. Prof. Christian Küchen from en2x - Fuels and Energy Industry Association emphasizes the importance of a sustainable transformation for companies.

A look at the figures shows that even in countries with a comprehensive switch to district heating and electricity-fired heat pumps, the share of electricity in the energy mix is ​​only about a third. Liquid and gaseous molecules remain indispensable for applications that are difficult to electrify, as well as for vehicles, oil and gas heating, the chemical industry and the construction industry.

In order to make investments in alternative fuels attractive, a reform of the Energy Taxation Directive at EU level is necessary. CO2 pricing and a comprehensive carbon strategy play a crucial role in this. The inclusion of climate-friendly fuels in the Euro Vignette Directive is of great importance.

In addition to a hydrogen strategy, a holistic carbon strategy is also necessary that integrates the use and storage of CO2, the recycling of plastics and the use of biomass. A uniform, recognized certification and monitoring system is of great importance for sustainability in global energy trade.

The EU is called upon to create a long-term, stable and supportive regulatory framework for the molecular transition. This is not only in the interests of climate protection, but also to strengthen Germany and the EU as leading economic locations. Dialogue with companies and associations plays a crucial role in driving forward the transformation to a sustainable business model.