Connect Berlin: Building UK-Germany Bridges, Addressing Transition & Cost Challenges

In this episode Recorded in Berlin at the EIC Connect event, hosted at the British Embassy, this episode brings together senior stakeholders from across the German energy ecosystem to discuss the realities of the German energy sector, and the respective opportunities and challenges.Host Stuart Broadley, CEO of the EIC, is joined by Natalie Toms (FCDO), Stefan Peikert (British Chamber of Commerce in Germany), Heiko Staubitz (Germany Trade & Invest, Berlin), Tim Bruns (OGE - Open Grid Europe), Pim van Keep (Capturi SLB), Marek Drywa (Worley) and Johannes Saade (Bertling). Together, they share perspectives from government, industry and trade agencies, on the key factors shaping affordability, competitiveness, and the energy transition.The conversation examines how the Kensington Treaty is influencing long-term cooperation on energy, climate, and investment, alongside Germany’s evolving approach to foreign direct investment, the strategic importance of the North Sea, and the growing role of data centres, hydrogen, and carbon capture in driving demand.The episode also dives into the practical challenges of delivering the energy transition—from building hydrogen core networks and CO₂ transport corridors to overcoming regulatory and financing barriers. With insights on high energy costs, industrial competitiveness, and the future of gas supply in a shifting geopolitical landscape, this discussion offers a grounded view of how ambition is translating into action across Europe’s largest energy markets.What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.Stay Connected with EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore EIC membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn about EIC Consult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected]