- 2026 study surveyed 2,850 individuals and 25 experts across 17 countries on the energy transition.
- Germany records 64% awareness and favors a pragmatic, technical approach with a tripartite governance model (politicians, industry, citizens).
- Respondents prioritize immediate workforce upskilling to create hybrid professionals.
- Momentum for the energy transition is shifting toward emerging economies while Germany, the Netherlands and Poland take more measured positions.
Study overview
The fourth edition of "Climate Goals" (Addendum 3: Focus on Germany) presented at the Italian Embassy in Berlin reports on public awareness and perceptions of the energy transition, expanding the scope beyond low‑ or zero‑emission energy production to include industrial processes, products, business models and consumption patterns.
Scope and methodology
The 2026 edition surveyed 2,850 individuals and incorporated the views of 25 experts across 17 countries and four continents, tracking trends since 2023 and comparing perspectives from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Africa.
Key findings on Germany
Germany registers 64% awareness and a pragmatic, technical outlook: the transition is seen as both an environmental necessity and an industrial evolution, requiring infrastructure fixes, immediate workforce upskilling and the creation of "hybrid" professionals combining technical and soft skills; governance is viewed as tripartite (politicians, industry, citizens) while private firms are increasingly seen as primary operational drivers.
Trends and discussion
The study signals a shift of momentum toward emerging economies as drivers of the transition, with Germany, the Netherlands and Poland adopting more measured or skeptical positions on timing, costs and trade‑offs; the Berlin event gathered diplomats, industry and energy stakeholders to discuss group strategies and technology deployment in Europe.
