To read this content please select one of the options below:

Energy advice in Germany: a market actors’ perspective

Marc Ringel (Department of Energy Economics, Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences, Geislingen an der Steige, Germany and Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany and Team Europe Germany of the European Commission, Germany)

International Journal of Energy Sector Management

ISSN: 1750-6220

Article publication date: 10 October 2018

Issue publication date: 23 October 2018

377

Abstract

Purpose

This study reviews present trends, barriers and outlooks for the future as seen by actors in the energy advice services market in Germany. As Germany is one of Europe’s leading markets for energy services, this review aims to highlight energy sector management issues that exist throughout Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches, using seven qualitative stakeholder interviews and a semi-structured survey covering over 500 energy advisors. Based on the present market, this study seeks to identify barriers against further market development, regulatory measures that can promote market development and business models for energy services likely to emerge in the future.

Findings

Significant barriers persist, despite a strong government commitment to support development of the energy services markets. The barriers encourage market actors to maintain the status quo rather than use innovate new service models. To support innovative business models, action is needed by both industry associations and the government to create a stronger demand pull for advice services.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new sectoral overview of Europe’s biggest energy service market as seen from a market actor perspective. It focuses on the analysis of barriers and business models to derive needs for further capacity building within the sector and for political governance to trigger further market dynamics.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author is grateful for the support of GIH Bundesverband and Stefan Rögele for their support with the market survey. The editors and two anonymous reviewers provided constructive and helpful suggestions to improve the quality of this analysis.

Citation

Ringel, M. (2018), "Energy advice in Germany: a market actors’ perspective", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 656-674. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-04-2018-0002

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles