In a changing world, power is becoming an increasingly important strategic resource. In the past, access to oil and gas was the basis of global economic success. Today, it is the availability of electrical energy that determines growth and security. A widespread power outage means much more than dark apartments – it paralyzes factories, brings the internet to a standstill and damages critical infrastructure. In other words, power is the new oil and gas – and grids are the key.

The power grid is not just infrastructure, it is the lifeline of our modern world. It connects producers and consumers, enables the integration of renewable energies and ensures a stable supply. Without consistent grid expansion, there is a risk of bottlenecks that not only slow down the energy transition but also endanger Europe’s energy independence. Intelligent and flexible grids are the key to a sustainable and secure energy future.

Energy security: the foundation of European stability

To ensure a secure energy future, we must protect our networks better. To do that, we need to control our strategic resources! We live in a time when it is possible to blow up walkie-talkies from a distance. It is not difficult to take out a substation in Germany in a similar way. So we need to physically protect our critical infrastructure. To do that, we need components that we can source independently in Europe.

Why do I emphasize this so clearly? We must be much more aware that a robust, reliable network protects critical services such as hospitals, communication systems, security authorities and airports. We recently experienced how the failure of a transformer brought traffic to a standstill at London’s Heathrow Airport. Fortunately, it was a malfunction that was probably due to poor maintenance or aging.

Network security as important as defense capability

But Heathrow has shown quite clearly that these services are indispensable for our security. In other words, if there is a power outage, national security is at risk. We must therefore free the debates on security and independence in Europe from the excessive focus on defense policy! A stable power supply is at least as important for Europe’s security as a strong defense.

If Europe wants to remain economically strong and, above all, capable of defense in the future, it needs to invest in grid infrastructure. These grids must be modern and robust. A stable grid not only drives the energy transition, but also creates the basis for innovation, competitiveness and socio-economic progress. From the electrification of rural areas to the support of new industries such as hydrogen production, grid expansion is a catalyst for growth and sustainability.

As CEO of the Trench Group, I see it as our mission to contribute to the security and stability of the power supply with high technology and innovative solutions – from Berlin, the heart of Germany, for the world. The challenges are great, but with determination and investment, we can create a sustainable energy system that ensures Europe’s prosperity and independence. Electricity is the new oil – and those who control the grids of the future will shape tomorrow’s world.