EPICO KlimaInnovation is accompanied by a broad-based, independent Advisory Board with high-level members from politics, business, science, and civil society. The Board advises EPICO’s experts on guidelines and the fundamental orientation of the think tank.
With this interview series, we want to introduce the work, expertise, and motivation of each Member of the Advisory Board, as we delve deep into the main questions concerning the future of Europe’s energy transition.
We are pleased to introduce Kerstin Andreae. Since 2019, she has served as Chairwoman of the General Executive Management at the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW). Prior to that, she played a leading role in shaping Germany’s energy and economic policy as a long-standing Member of the Bundestag and economic policy spokesperson for Bündnis 90/Die Grünen.
Kerstin, what motivated you to join EPICO as a board member?
I see the energy transition as a fundamental modernisation of Germany as an industrial nation. We are decarbonising energy production, electrifying industry and transport, renewing and digitalising our grids, restructuring the gas sector, and advancing the heating transition. In short, we are rebuilding the very foundation of our economy.
The energy industry is doing its part — as the electricity sector clearly demonstrates. In 2024, the share of renewables in gross electricity consumption has risen to 55%, grid connection activity is at record levels, and since 2006, the duration of supply interruptions has been roughly halved. Germany continues to hold a leading position in terms of supply reliability.
That said, the challenges ahead — especially at the start of the 21st legislative period — remain considerable. What we need is a coherent regulatory framework that guarantees security of supply: with a clear power plant strategy and the synchronised expansion of renewables and grid infrastructure. At the same time, we must ensure affordable prices for both industry and consumers. It is equally clear that a course correction is needed — towards cost-efficiency, better system integration, and a meaningful reduction in bureaucracy. The guiding principle must be: plan wisely, implement efficiently.
I am convinced that we can only overcome these major challenges — and seize the opportunities they bring — by working together. That’s why it’s so important to me to think in networks, pool strengths, and learn from one another. I’m delighted to be part of EPICO’s mission and to contribute to this important work.
As the new EU legislative term begins to take shape, what concrete steps are now most urgent to reach climate goals while ensuring industrial competitiveness?
It is a very welcome step that the European Commission is now aligning climate action more closely with industrial policy. What we need are clear priorities and determined action at the EU level — followed by effective implementation in the Member States. The EU must remain big on big things, small on small things.It must set the overall framework without getting lost in the details of regulation.
It is encouraging that the first two Omnibus packages aim to reduce bureaucracy — a long-standing demand of BDEW. However, care must be taken to avoid introducing new reporting obligations elsewhere, which could ultimately undermine the goal of simplification.
To uphold the ambitious climate targets of the Green Deal, the proposed Clean Industrial Deal must include clear implementation strategies and strong investment incentives. Just as critical is the accelerated expansion of renewable energy, infrastructure, and storage capacity — essential to stabilising energy prices in the long term and strengthening the EU’s resilience.
In the context of the Affordable Energy Action Plan, swift and full implementation of existing measures — particularly those concerning electricity market design — will be crucial for long-term affordability. Market interventions should be avoided, and any measures to address affordability should sit outside the energy markets in order to preserve their integrity. Targeted tax reductions and subsidies for network charges can offer rapid relief to consumers.
Further integration of the internal market and expansion of cross-border infrastructure rightly remain high on the agenda. At the same time, it is essential that the outstanding implementation guidelines — particularly those relating to hydrogen — are developed in a pragmatic and workable manner.
Germany plays a key role in Europe’s energy transition — what specific levers need to be activated at both national and EU level to successfully scale up the hydrogen economy?
The ramp-up of the hydrogen economy is a crucial pillar of the energy transition and essential for safeguarding Europe’s industrial competitiveness. A pragmatic approach is key: “as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as affordably as possible.”
One of the main obstacles at present is the overly strict criteria for the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. These regulatory frameworks should be reviewed and adapted where necessary to ensure they are compatible with the EU’s ambitious hydrogen targets — always with pragmatism at the forefront.
In parallel, we must significantly boost hydrogen demand and accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure. A successful scale-up is not only vital for maintaining Europe’s industrial strength but also for securing its role as a global leader in clean technology. It will strengthen the EU’s long-term resilience.
Beyond increasing domestic production, Europe must also look outward. The EU needs to unlock international potential by ensuring its regulatory framework is compatible with global markets. A comprehensive hydrogen import strategy is essential — one that includes stable, long-term partnerships with third countries.
Ultimately, what is required is a more strategic European hydrogen agenda. Greater coordination among national governments working towards hydrogen development would be a major step forward. Germany, with its significant and growing hydrogen demand, has a key leadership role to play. The Federal Government should therefore champion a pragmatic ramp-up at EU level and pursue close coordination with European partners on this shared path.
At EPICO, we are actively addressing key energy transition challenges. We believe that climate and energy policy driven by competition and innovation is essential to efficiently reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gases, while also balancing environmental protection, sustainable economic growth, and socially just equitable outcomes. Discover our latest publications, and upcoming events, and stay tuned for more Advisory Board interviews.