A commentary by Markus W. Voigt, CEO of the aream Group.

The war between Israel and Iran has led to a price shock on the oil markets. This is immediately noticeable when refuelling, and will be reflected in overall energy costs in the coming weeks. We are recognisably completely dependent on the arbitrariness of individual states, regimes and dictators. We are not just importing energy in the form of oil or gas. We are importing insecurity and high costs. It's time to fundamentally change this - a commentary by Markus W. Voigt, CEO of the aream Group.
 

As long as oil and gas remain the basis of our energy supply, neither stable low prices nor security of supply are possible. Quite apart from climate change, it is a question of collective intelligence to become independent of the whims of oil and gas owners. It is a question of economic survival in a time of conflict. We are still importing a large proportion of our energy - and therefore also the uncertainty. Our economy is vulnerable to external shocks over which we have no control. Every armed conflict in the Middle East, every sanction, every political escalation hits us hard. The result: energy prices that fluctuate unpredictably. And this at a time when predictability and cost stability are vital for the survival of companies and households. Dependence on fossil dictators is therefore economic madness.

But even if common sense possibly prevails now, the war between Israel and Iran will not escalate further, will not spread to the entire Middle East and will even end at some point: After all, it is just one of many conflicts taking place in resource-rich countries. It is time to address the issue of renewable energies with completely different arguments. It's not just climate protection and clean air that speak in favour, but much more the economic necessity and stable energy supply. And not only decentralisation, which ensures resilience in the event of a crisis, but also the price-stable supply for companies and households.

Domestic energy sources such as wind, sun or water are unaffected by geopolitical crises, blockades or blackmail. They are locally available, stable and not only more cost-effective in the long term than any fossil alternative. Investments in renewable energies ensure stable energy prices and create the basis for economic resilience and independence.

What we need is economic clarity. Renewable energies are not only an ecological imperative, but even more so an economic one. After all, energy generation from renewables, including the necessary storage facilities, has long been competitive. Those who continue to rely on oil and gas will pay the bill twice: with money and with stability. By focussing on renewables today, we are creating sustainability for our entire economy.