The challenges of decarbonizing the transport sector were the topic of the twelve-day program “Doing Business in Germany” (DBi). EWI researchers discussed e-mobility, e-fuels, and European security of supply with international MBA students. The students came from partner universities of the University of Cologne in the United States, Argentina, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
The guests from around the world were given exclusive insights into the German economy as part of the program. The students could choose between a focus on sustainable mobility and the automotive industry. The program was coordinated by the Center for International Relations (ZIB) of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Cologne.
EWI manager Max Gierkink presented the dena lead study, in which the EWI, as the main scientific expert, analyzed transformation paths to achieve the German climate targets. In particular, he discussed decarbonization options in the transport sector with the students.
EWI scientist Arne Lilienkamp gave a presentation on the role of e-mobility in decarbonizing the German transport sector and discussed related challenges for the German power grid with the participants. In another contribution, EWI researchers Polina Emilianova and Arne Lilienkamp explored the question of what role e-fuels could play in the transport sector in the future.
Hendrik Diers, Research Associate at EWI, presented research results on the implications of the war in Ukraine on the European security of supply and European energy prices. The discussion focused on the short-term procurement of LNG gas and the associated challenges, as well as the future competitiveness of the German industry.
During the nearly two-week program, the students also visited numerous institutions and companies in the German energy and automotive industries to discuss challenges and prospects in the respective sectors. For example, they visited Tesla and Deutsche Bahn, the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, Rheinenergie, Siemens, Volkswagen, and Mercedes Benz. The social program also included a visit to Cologne Cathedral and the German Bundestag.
