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Trotz des langjährigen Ausbaus der erneuerbaren Energien ist Deutschland – wie die meisten anderen Industrieländer der Welt – immer noch auf fossile Energieträger angewiesen. Deutschland importiert fast 70% seiner Energieressourcen, wobei Russland derzeit der größte Lieferant von fossilen Energien ist. Deutschland ist bestrebt, seine Abhängigkeit von Energieeinfuhren aus Russland so schnell wie möglich zu verringern und plant einen massiven Ausbau der erneuerbaren Energien, wird aber auch in LNG-Infrastrukturen zur Diversifizierung der Gasversorgung investieren. Das kurzfristige Risiko, von den russischen Gas- und Öllieferungen abgeschnitten zu werden, ist im (industriellen) Wärmemarkt ausgeprägter und weniger schwerwiegend im Stromsektor. Ein schnellerer Ausbau der erneuerbaren Energien ist eine Konsequenz aus der aktuellen Energiekrise, aber keine kurzfristige Lösung angesichts der begrenzten Möglichkeiten auf der Angebotsseite. [mehr]

James Brand, Head of European Utility Research discusses with Debbie Jones, Global Head of ESG Company Research the ambitious targets set by Germany's coalition government, arguably Europe's most ambitious decarbonisation targets. The targets aims to transform Germany's power market, reaching 80% renewable generation by 2030 while closing its remaining nuclear plants and phasing out coal. It could put Germany at the forefront of the energy transition. [mehr]

Due to significant demand/supply imbalances as well as climate policy measures, energy prices were the main driver of consumer price inflation in Germany in 2021. In 2022 as a whole, prices might increase by more than 20% for gas on average and by more than 15% for electricity. In that case, higher gas and electricity prices would substantially boost Germany’s inflation rate in 2022 (by up to 1 percentage point). In the medium term, a more ambitious climate and energy policy will very likely continue to raise consumer price inflation. At least over the transition period, rising CO2 prices (via the national carbon levy or the EU-wide emissions trading system) will not only lead to a permanently higher price trend for fossil fuels (oil/gas heating, fuels) but also costs for electricity generation. Overall, this weakens the widespread argument to view energy price increases as temporary. [mehr]

This presentation summarises our recent ESG survey of 500+ corporate issuers and investors, primarily in the US and Europe. The results show that both issuers and investors have quickened their integration of ESG over the last two years. And they plan to accelerate this over the coming 12 months. [mehr]

Governments from around the world will parade their climate credentials at the COP26 summit ... but when the dust has settled, much of the pressure to implement their plans will be delegated to corporates. Post-COP, firms will be pushed via policy or social pressure to spend more to mitigate climate change. The cost may be high but proactive firms are already being rewarded by customers and investors. Those that delay may face penalties. [mehr]

With demand for ESG products & solutions remaining strong, and asset managers advancing their ESG capabilities, we see asset managers bolstering their dedicated ESG product line-ups at an accelerating pace. We recently caught up with management teams across our coverage of US based traditional asset managers about their recent & planned ESG product launches, perspectives on client demand, as well as their current range of ESG products. [mehr]

Glencore sets out how it announced its net zero target in December 2020, how it arrived at its strategy and how this sets it apart from peers. [mehr]

Deutsche Bank recently joined the net zero banking alliance. This large group of banks has committed to aligning their portfolios to the net zero emissions target by 2050 or sooner. [mehr]

Due to the continuing shortage of semiconductors, 2021 will be another weak year for Germany as an automotive location. Although the current economic and supply crisis may have reached its low point, a return to earlier highs is unlikely – even in the medium term. By contrast, German auto manufacturers are reporting positive results and gaining share in important markets. The discrepancy between Germany as an automotive location and the German auto industry is becoming apparent. [mehr]

Liam Fitzpatrick, European Head of Metals and Mining Research interviews Anna Krutikov, Glencore's Head of Sustainability. Climate ambition is increasing rapidly at a global level and investors are demanding that large corporates, such as Glencore, align strategies with the goals of the Paris Agreement and take the necessary action on reducing emissions. [mehr]