Energy in Focus at the German-Turkish Business Conference

On 16th October 2025, key actors from German and Turkish business, industry and policy met in Berlin for the German-Turkish Business Conference, organised by DIHK in cooperation with TOBB, the Turkish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TD-IHK) and AHK Türkiye. The event opened with a reception at the Turkish Embassy and continued the following day on 16th October at the Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft in Berlin.

The opening addresses emphasised the deep cultural, social and historical ties between both countries and stressed the need for strong alliances in an increasingly volatile world. Germany remains Türkiye’s most important trading partner, and this cooperation is expanding into future-oriented fields. Throughout the day, participants engaged in panels and exchanges on digitalisation, mobility, reconstruction following the devastating earthquakes in South-East Türkiye in 2023, new trade opportunities and, crucially, the energy transition. Networking formats and the ministerial dialogue underlined the strength and potential of bilateral partnership.

The Turkish-German Energy Partnership Panel: “Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy: Energy Solutions and Resilience”

As part of the conference, the Turkish-German Energy Partnership hosted a dedicated panel on energy, moderated by Kim Lakeit, Director of International Cooperation at the German Energy Agency (dena). The panel featured:

• Ersin Esentürk, General Manager, Enerjisa Retail Sales Companies
• Johannes Birzele, COO, E.ON Business Solutions Deutschland
• Dr. Alper Terciyanlı, Chairman of the Board, Inavitas Enerji A.Ş.
• Adnan Ünal, Managing Director, Linde Gas Türkiye

The discussion highlighted that the energy landscape has become significantly more complex, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, supply pressures and lessons learned since the pandemic. Companies and institutions on both sides are increasingly focused on building resilience and preparing for future disruptions. A core theme was the urgent need to modernise and adapt distribution networks, which must keep pace with rapidly changing demand and the growing role of renewable energy.

Investments in flexible infrastructure, digitalisation and governance frameworks were repeatedly emphasised. The panel reflected a shared understanding that energy security and climate goals are intertwined and that both Germany and Türkiye must mobilise capital for expanding and modernising grid systems. Digital and advanced management tools are already helping operators monitor networks, identify potential issues early and support the integration of new technologies.

The conversation also explored emerging fuels and storage options. While hydrogen remains cost-intensive and technically demanding—particularly regarding transport and infrastructure adaptation—there is strong long-term potential in areas where geological conditions allow for storage or pilot-scale deployment. At the same time, decarbonisation strategies and increased efficiency in existing power systems are seen as essential interim steps.

The implications of climate policy instruments such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) were also noted as important drivers of change, especially for energy-intensive sectors and cross-border trade.

Cooperation as a Driver of Innovation

Looking ahead, the panel concluded that closer collaboration between Türkiye and Germany can unlock new business opportunities and accelerate the energy transition. Programmes that enable staff exchange, joint training and shared corporate cultures are already creating new momentum. Bringing engineers and experts together fosters innovation, joint learning and practical problem-solving.

There was a strong call to build competitive synergies, innovate more flexibly and explore cooperation beyond bilateral projects—including joint entry into third markets. With Germany’s regulatory expertise and Türkiye’s young talent and engineering strength, both countries are well placed to shape new energy solutions together.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers for their insights and their readiness to continue this important dialogue.

Photo copyright: Christian Plambeck