A large majority of industrial businesses in Germany sees a risk factor to future economic development in rising energy and raw materials prices. According to the company barometer “Energy and raw materials for tomorrow” from the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (or DIHK), 86 per cent assess rising energy prices and 76 per cent rising raw materials prices as negative for Germany as an economic location. In addition, 20 per cent of industrial companies had already outsourced activities abroad or were planning to do so due to fears of supply bottlenecks, according to the DIHK. A total of 1,500 companies were surveyed in December 2011.

58 per cent of businesses feared more frequent power cuts or voltage fluctuations. The general availability of raw materials was also assessed to be no longer assured by 50 per cent of those surveyed. According to their own testimony many companies are counting on efficiency measures as an answer to these challenges. Three quarters have already taken measures to raise energy efficiency or were planning to do so, according to the results of the survey. Over half the companies were also looking at more efficient use of raw materials. Companies also required a well developed energy infrastructure: 92 per cent of the businesses surveyed saw a strengthening of public acceptance of network expansion as an urgent task for politicians.