A reality check for the energy transition
The political expansion plans for the energy transition are under scrutiny. One thing is clear: even after adjustments, the targets remain highly ambitious — and the expected capacity additions by 2035 are enormous. Coordinated expansion planning is urgently needed. Key components such as transformers, converters, and switchgear have lead times of 24 months or more. Skilled technical personnel are scarce, approval and certification processes are complex, and supply chains are already stretched to their limits. Under these conditions, further scaling seems hardly feasible.
This white paper identifies four key challenges: time uncertainty, limited production capacities, overstretched supply chains, and a lack of standardization in technical solutions. The key to success lies in productization and industrialization. This reality check illustrates, with concrete examples, how other industries have already completed this transformation — and what can be applied to energy technology.