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The market for energy advice in Germany: a progress review

Marc Ringel (Department of Energy Economics, Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences, Geislingen, Germany; Department of Corporate Finance, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany and Brussels School of Governance, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium)
Saranda Mjekic (Department of Energy Economics, Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences, Nürtingen)
Michèle Knodt (Technical University of Darmstadt, Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence “EU in Global Dialogue”, Jean Monnet Chair, Institute for Political Science, Darmstadt, Germany)

International Journal of Energy Sector Management

ISSN: 1750-6220

Article publication date: 8 March 2022

Issue publication date: 23 September 2022

111

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to update a 2017 review of trends, barriers and outlooks for the future of the energy advice services market in Germany, as perceived by market actors. With growing national and European ambitions for comprehensive energy renovations, lessons for a functioning energy sector management can be drawn that are valid at European and international level.

Design/methodology/approach

This review combines quantitative and qualitative research approaches, using a survey covering over 500 energy advisors and follow-up qualitative stakeholder interviews. Based on the present market, this study seeks to identify feedback on regulatory measures to promote market development; remaining barriers against further market development; and business and cooperation models for energy services in the building sector.

Findings

Since the last review in 2017/2018, market development has tended to stagnate, despite a strong government commitment to boost energy services markets. Significant barriers persist, many of which are related to government regulation. These barriers discourage homeowners to engage in energy renovations. To support innovative business models, regulatory complexity needs to be reduced. European Union lawmakers and German Government need to take action to facilitate access to advice services.

Originality/value

This paper provides the latest, updated sectoral overview of Europe’s biggest energy service market as perceived by the market actors. It focuses on the analysis of barriers, business models and cooperation models to derive governance options for further triggering market dynamics.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank two anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions and comments.

Funding: Funding from the Kopernikus-Projekt Ariadne (FKZ 03SFK5LO) by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research is gratefully acknowledged.

Citation

Ringel, M., Mjekic, S. and Knodt, M. (2022), "The market for energy advice in Germany: a progress review", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 1091-1110. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-10-2021-0014

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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