Bertelsmann Stiftung: Where leading countries stand in the transition to renewable heating, road transport and electricity

Share

The sluggish rate of progress made in the energy transition is putting the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the middle of the century at risk. A comparison of four European countries shows that Denmark and Norway are making significant strides in transitioning to renewable heating and electricity. Norway is also advancing quickly in the road transport sector. The UK and Germany continue to face several challenges.

Gütersloh, 01.10.2024. To achieve climate neutrality, interim targets are crucial. In the electricity supply sector, for example, the energy transition must be completed by 2035. “Beyond emissions data, we need early warning indicators track infrastructure development and ensure political measures supporting acceleration,” says Christof Schiller, governance expert at the Bertelsmann Stiftung and head of the Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGI).

A study by the Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung applies this approach to the electricity, road transport, and heating sectors. It shows how close countries are to climate neutrality, where they face challenges, and how progress can be accelerated. Each sector sees at least one country making significant headway: Denmark and Norway lead in green electricity and heating, with Norway nearly completing its e-mobility shift. Germany and the UK, however, still lag behind. Decarbonization by mid-century is achievable, but only if policy targets, regulations, and infrastructure are better aligned.

Accelerating Germany’s renewable electricity transition demands clear targets for expanding grids, boosting storage, and better aligning transmission goals. The UK requires similar targets, plus a plan to phase out gas production. Denmark, with its clear targets, could fully transition to green electricity by 2029. Norway has already decarbonized its electricity supply.  

Germany’s high electric vehicle costs and lack of charging stations hinder short-term e-mobility growth. The decline in combustion engine vehicles is currently not enough to ensure zero emissions by 2045. Denmark and the UK also need more consistent strategies, while Norway is set to reach 100% electric vehicle sales next year, thanks to early financial incentives. “Norway's progress in e-mobility is based on the early actions taken to provide financial incentives for emission-free vehicles,” says Thorsten Hellmann, an economics expert at the Bertelsmann Stiftung.

In the heating sector, Germany must double heat pump installations to meet 2030 goals, while the UK lags further behind. Denmark excels in emission-free heating, having banned oil and gas boilers in 2013, and Norway expects full heat pump coverage by 2030.

Dr. Christof Schiller, phone: +49 030 275788-138
E-Mail: christof.schiller@bertelsmann-stiftung.de

Thorsten Hellmann, phone +49 5241 8181-236
E-Mail: thorsten.hellmann@bertelsmann-stiftung.de

 

About the Bertelsmann Stiftung: Inspiring people. Shaping the future.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung is committed to ensuring that everyone in society can participate in political, economic and cultural life. Our programs: Education and Next Generation, Democracy and Social Cohesion, Digitalization and the Common Good, Europe’s Future, Health, and Sustainable Social Market Economies. A nonprofit foundation, the Bertelsmann Stiftung was established in 1977 by Reinhard Mohn.

Subscribe to releases from news aktuell GmbH

Subscribe to all the latest releases from news aktuell GmbH by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from news aktuell GmbH

HEIDELBERG focuses on economic efficiency in FY 2025/26 – operating margin set to rise further5.6.2025 08:53:04 CEST | Press release

Targets for financial year 2024/25 achieved – sales and adjusted EBITDA margin match previous year’s figure Significantly positive free cash flow of € 51 million China Print trade show’s positive impact on orders creates basis for good start to FY 2025/26 Areas with growth potential range from packaging and digital printing to software and lifecycle products Outlook for FY 2025/26 – slight increase in sales expected and adjusted EBITDA margin set to rise to as much as around 8 percent

Longi: What solar efficiency records mean for homeowners - A glance at the future of solar with Back Contact and Tandem technology4.6.2025 11:27:57 CEST | Press release

Frankfurt am Main Solar panels are no longer just a tool for cutting electricity bills. They are becoming a long-term investment in home energy independence. And with every jump in solar cell efficiency, that investment becomes more powerful, compact, and future-ready. This spring, solar technology leader Longi announced not one, but two new world records in solar efficiency. These achievements offer a glimpse of what homeowners might soon see on their rooftops.

Institut auf dem Rosenberg Opens 2026/27 Admissions, Emphasizing Diversity and Individuality Over Sole Academic Merit3.6.2025 10:00:00 CEST | Press release

(St. Gallen, Switzerland) – Institut auf dem Rosenberg, recently ranked as the “Best Boarding School in the World” by Premium Europe, announces the opening of its admissions cycle for the 2026/27 academic year. With all grades currently operating on a waitlist basis, the school continues to attract exceptional applicants, with only a select few gaining direct admission. “Academic excellence is fundamental, but it’s the unique personalities, talents, and perspectives that truly enrich our community,” said Anita Gademann, Board Member and Head of Innovation. “We seek students who not only excel in academics but also bring distinctive qualities that contribute to a vibrant and forward-thinking environment.” Rosenberg’s commitment to individualized education is evident in its unparalleled Talent & Enrichment Programme. Offering over 100 courses – from robotics and artificial intelligence to fashion design and international law – the programme provides students with real-world experiences b

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom
World GlobeA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.HiddenA line styled icon from Orion Icon Library.Eye