Germany is at the dawn of a new industrial phase. With its announced infrastructure package worth €500 billion, the new federal government is sending a clear signal: modernizing our country is a top priority. This also includes the power grids: according to the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), 26,000 kilometers of new high-voltage lines are to be built by 2045 to meet the requirements of the energy transition and future increases in electricity demand.

However, despite all the enthusiasm about these investments, one key point must not be overlooked: money alone will not drive the energy transition and infrastructure expansion. It is well-trained people who will carry this transformation forward – and we currently have far too few of them. According to the Competence Center for Securing Skilled Workers (KOFA), there is a skills gap of more than 600,000 in Germany. The shortage of experts is particularly acute: six out of ten vacancies cannot currently be filled.

The energy transition needs brains – not just capital

We are already feeling the effects of the skills gap in the energy sector.

The BDEW warned as early as 2023 of a dramatic shortage of skilled workers in key areas such as network planning, IT, and control systems. Without qualified engineers, motivated technicians, and specialists, no wind turbines can be erected, no power lines laid, and no storage facilities put into operation. In other words, the limiting factor in our industry is currently personnel!

For companies like Trench, a technological hidden champion with ambitious global growth plans, this means that we need framework conditions that enable us to retain and attract new talent in the long term. This includes a European culture of welcome that attracts bright minds from all over the world instead of deterring them.

Germany is in danger of falling behind in the global competition between locations

A look at the current location ratings is sobering. According to the DIHK sentiment index for early summer 2025, the mood among companies remains predominantly poor. Particularly serious is that no indicator in the current survey of more than 23,000 companies from all sectors and regions is positive. This is an alarm signal – for politicians, but also for us as an economy.

If Germany wants to remain an attractive location, we must do much more to retain skilled workers and attract talent. We need clear, reliable framework conditions: less regulation, attractive tax rates, and good infrastructure. At the same time, we must revitalize Germany’s image as a location rich in opportunities and innovation. I hope that the new federal government will provide the urgently needed impetus.

Talent finds meaning – and responsibility

A growing number of young people no longer choose their job primarily based on salary, but rather on meaning and prospects. This is our opportunity: the energy transition is one of the most important projects of our time. Those who work on it are helping to shape the future of Europe – technologically, ecologically, and socially.

This makes it even more important to create career development opportunities, establish new educational formats, and provide targeted support for career changers. Leading energy companies have already begun this transformation.

Promoting talent means securing independence

In a geopolitically fragile world, technological sovereignty is becoming a strategic factor. Dependencies in energy issues – whether in raw materials, technologies or know-how – can only be overcome through a clever combination of innovation, training and industrial implementation. The latest European alliances in areas such as hydrogen, storage technologies and network infrastructure are steps in the right direction. Now we need to build on this momentum.

Investing in talent means investing in the future

The infrastructure investments that have been announced are right and important. But they will only have an impact if we simultaneously invest in the people who develop, build, and operate this infrastructure. Politics and business must work together to create an environment that promotes performance, welcomes diversity, and rewards excellence.

The bottom line is that money is important for progress in Germany and Europe. But modern infrastructure needs more than money—above all, we must promote and retain talent. Because without people, there can be no growth. And without growth, there can be no attractive jobs.