Germany Strengthens Energy Resilience Amid Changing Risk Landscape

Germany is intensifying efforts to bolster its energy resilience in response to the altered risk environment caused by the ongoing energy crisis, triggered by the Russian war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure. According to a recent study by HIC Consulting commissioned by the BDEW, energy resilience is defined as an energy system’s ability to remain functional during severe and unexpected disruptions.

The study examines how countries including Finland, Sweden, Japan, the UK, Poland, and Lithuania have enhanced their energy supply resilience, along with experiences from Israel, Ukraine, and China. Key lessons for Germany involve diversifying its gas supply sources and increasing gas storage levels—measures the country has already initiated.

The research identifies three main strategies to improve Germany’s energy resilience: establishing clear political leadership with inter-ministerial coordinating authority, fostering structured dialogue between government and the energy sector, and developing a national resilience strategy to ensure supply security. These political and institutional frameworks are crucial for addressing vulnerabilities effectively.

This approach aims to prepare Germany’s energy system against geopolitical pressures and hybrid threats, ensuring stable and secure energy availability even in crises. As Germany moves forward, the study underscores that coordinated governance and strategic planning are vital to making the energy supply more robust in the face of future disruptions.