Germany is heading into autumn with unusually low gas reserves. Structurally, too, the country's energy supply remains heavily dependent on imports: in 2025, two-thirds of primary energy consumption came from abroad. On paper, domestic energy sources would have covered only 125 days of the year — up to May 5, 2026.
Against the backdrop of geopolitical risks and ongoing disruptions to global energy supply chains, the German Energy Efficiency Business Initiative (DENEFF) and the European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES) are calling for energy efficiency to be firmly established as a strategic pillar of energy security and resilience. A joint policy brief from both organizations makes the case clearly: every kilowatt-hour saved reduces import dependency, eases the burden on critical infrastructure, and strengthens Germany's strategic capacity to act.
"Energy efficiency is far more than climate protection. It is a strategic factor in reducing energy dependencies. Anyone who lowers energy demand also needs to import, transport, and safeguard less energy in a crisis," says Christian Noll, Managing Director of DENEFF.
"Dependence on energy imports has become a security risk. Supply security is not just about new suppliers, new routes, or additional reserves. It starts with structurally reducing our energy demand. Energy efficiency is an indispensable strategic security resource for Germany and Europe," says Dr. Sabrina Schulz, Germany Director of the European Initiative for Energy Security (EIES).
Lower Energy Demand Strengthens Infrastructure and Defense
Greater diversification of suppliers and transport routes can ease individual dependencies, but it does not eliminate the underlying structural reliance on imports. Energy efficiency works differently: it reduces overall energy demand while simultaneously strengthening strategic autonomy, the resilience of energy infrastructure, and industrial competitiveness.
Lower energy demand primarily eases pressure on power grids, makes it easier to manage disruptions, and reduces the need for additional generation capacity, grid expansion, and strategic reserves. Military infrastructure benefits as well: energy-efficient barracks, hospitals, and command centers remain operational more easily during supply disruptions and rely less on logistical supply chains for oil and gas.
"Energy efficiency creates room to maneuver during a crisis. When critical infrastructure needs less energy, its vulnerability decreases," Noll adds.
Energy Efficiency as a Shield for European Industry
Energy efficiency solutions for industry and buildings are also a major economic factor: European companies continue to hold the technological lead in this field. Given Europe's dependence on external resources, maintaining and expanding this lead is essential. In Germany alone, the energy efficiency sector secures more than one million jobs, and annual investment in the energy-efficient modernization of the building stock is equivalent to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product. On top of that, every euro invested in improving efficiency at German production sites also helps strengthen industrial competitiveness.
"Efficiency First" as Part of the Security Strategy
DENEFF and EIES are therefore calling for energy efficiency to be systematically embedded in energy, industrial, security, and defense policy. This includes a consistent "Efficiency First" approach in public planning and funding decisions, rigorous implementation of the Energy Efficiency Act, and an energy security strategy that explicitly recognizes energy efficiency as a strategic resource.
For further information, see the policy brief "The First Fuel of Security: Energy Efficiency and Germany's Path to Strategic Resilience," available at: https://deneff.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DENEFF_policybrief_securitypaper_EIES.pdf
Source: Deutsche Unternehmensinitiative Energieeffizienz e.V. (DENEFF)
