Electrification is no longer viewed solely as a decarbonisation pathway. For many companies, it is becoming a strategic response to energy volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and competitive pressure.
The global survey “Powering Up: Business Perspectives on Electrification” gathered the views of 1,994 decision-makers from medium-sized and large companies across 18 countries.
The results point to a significant transformation in business energy strategies:
- 90% expect their operations to be mostly electrified by 2035;
- 73% anticipate reaching this level by 2030;
- 91% believe electrification will improve energy security;
- 88% expect it to make their companies more competitive;
- 84% foresee lower operating costs over the long term;
- 80% believe electrification will create jobs within their organisations;
- 90% associate a renewable-based, electrified economy with stronger economic growth.
One figure is particularly relevant: 79% of respondents say geopolitical instability has made the electrification of their own companies more urgent. This is not simply general support for the energy transition. It reflects a growing need to reduce exposure to volatile fossil-fuel markets and strengthen operational resilience.
What is happening in Europe?
The European sample covered the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Poland. Portugal, Spain and Italy were not included.
The percentage of companies expecting to be mostly electrified by 2035 reached:
- 90% in the United Kingdom;
- 87% in France;
- 83% in Poland;
- 81% in Germany.
These results demonstrate strong momentum, but they also highlight the need for faster investment in grids, infrastructure and enabling technologies.
What does electrification mean in practice?
Electrification does not simply mean consuming more electricity. It means replacing technologies powered directly by fossil fuels with electric alternatives, ideally supplied by renewable energy.
This includes replacing gas boilers with heat pumps, fossil-fuelled industrial heating with electric technologies, conventional vehicles with electric fleets, and diesel-powered logistics equipment with electric machinery.
As electricity demand increases, electrification must be supported by a broader energy ecosystem: on-site renewable generation, energy storage, energy management systems, flexibility solutions, sufficient power capacity and stronger grid connections.
The conclusion is clear: electrification cannot be approached as an isolated technology decision. It must be managed as an integrated energy strategy, capable of delivering greater security, cost control, resilience and competitiveness.
The full “Powering Up: Business Perspectives on Electrification” report and country-level results can be consulted at:
