Industrial energy trends for 2025

Global phenomena such as the pursuit of carbon neutrality in Europe, the growing role of Asia in production and technological innovation, or trade tensions between major economies will have a significant impact on the pace and direction of these changes. Ongoing military conflicts in various parts of the world, such as the war in Ukraine, rivalries in the Middle East, and tensions in the Pacific, pose new challenges for the energy sector. Military operations are leading to the destabilization of energy markets, disruptions in supply chains, and growing geopolitical risks, which may affect energy prices and investment decisions in the industry. In turn, the energy transformation in developing countries, supported by international investment and regulation, may contribute to the faster implementation of new technologies.

Will companies that decide to invest in these technologies be able to increase energy efficiency and gain a competitive advantage in the market? In the face of geopolitical instability related to ongoing conflicts, companies will have to account for risks associated with disruptions in the supply of energy resources and changes in global energy regulations. The pressure for smart decarbonization and the need to diversify energy sources mean that investments in new technologies, such as advanced heat recovery, integration of process installations with renewable energy sources, or industrial use of hydrogen, may prove essential for maintaining market competitiveness. What will be the most significant trends in industrial energy in 2025? The answers to this question will depend on the ability to respond to dynamic geopolitical changes, including the escalation of military conflicts, and adapt to new regulations that will shape energy markets around the world.

Renewable energy use

In 2025, more industrial companies will invest in renewable energy sources (RES) for their own needs to reduce energy costs, minimize their carbon footprint, and meet regulatory requirements. It will often be necessary to use energy storage facilities. As demand for energy from RES grows, the industry will have to fully adapt its production processes to the new realities. Photovoltaic installations, wind turbines, and biomass and biogas technologies will become key elements of the energy mix in industry, reducing operating costs. Notably, self-consumption of produced energy significantly improves the payback period for renewable technologies and reduces the risk of outages in installations reliant solely on the grid, making this approach beneficial for all parties.

Industrial companies have several options for accessing green energy. One of the simplest solutions is to purchase renewable energy from external suppliers through long-term contracts with a guarantee of origin, confirming that the energy comes from renewable sources. This approach does not involve any initial investment, enabling a quick transition to green energy.

Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (cPPAs) are also becoming increasingly popular, allowing companies to directly purchase renewable energy from producers. Such contracts ensure long-term price stability, which is particularly beneficial in the context of a volatile energy market. Alternatively, companies can invest in their own renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic installations, wind turbines, or biogas cogeneration systems, which generate both electricity and heat.

Having their own energy sources, combined with energy storage, increases a company's energy independence, enhances cost control, and reduces reliance on state energy networks, which may struggle to meet demand during geopolitical crises. However, such investments require detailed analysis of technical and environmental conditions and a precise estimate of the payback period. The growing pressure to decarbonize and become energy independent makes these investments a potential competitive advantage, ensuring operational stability even during global energy crises.

Investments in energy storage technologies as an element of strategic independence

Renewable energy sources, although a key element of a balanced energy mix, are dependent on weather conditions, leading to fluctuations in power availability. For this reason, during periods of both excess and shortage of power in the grid, the use of renewable sources becomes problematic. Energy storage technology offers a solution, enabling the storage of surplus energy during periods of overproduction (e.g., sunny or windy days) and its release when demand exceeds current production. Technologies used in energy storage include mechanical, chemical, and thermal solutions, selected based on specific company needs.

The benefits of investing in energy storage extend beyond supply stability. In the context of a changing energy market, volatile commodity prices, and global geopolitical tensions, energy storage represents a significant step toward energy independence. These systems allow companies to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and large suppliers, minimizing the risk of supply interruptions. As a result, energy storage is not only a solution ensuring continuity of production but also a strategic tool for cost optimization, improved energy efficiency, and increased resilience to market and geopolitical changes.

Development of hydrogen technologies

In 2025, hydrogen will play a crucial role in the decarbonization of industry. As an alternative energy source, hydrogen can be used across sectors, including transport, production, and energy generation. Electrolysis technology using renewable energy sources enables the production of green hydrogen, which can replace fossil fuels in industrial processes while remaining environmentally neutral.

Hydrogen's potential extends to heavy transport and logistics, offering promising solutions for achieving zero emissions in these sectors, though opinions remain divided. However, the hydrogen industry is burdened with high investment risks, and the rationale for subsidizing these projects is increasingly questioned due to their limited economic impact and the availability of other transitional technologies offering quicker, less risky energy solutions.

Use of nuclear technology and SMR (Small Modular Reactors)

In 2025, nuclear technology, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), will emerge as a potential energy mix element for companies and local governments. SMRs, thanks to their compact design and flexible installation options, can power large industrial plants and small to medium-sized towns. SMR offer high energy efficiency and low emissions, making them attractive for industrial decarbonization.

SMRs provide safe and stable energy supplies unaffected by weather conditions, a significant advantage over renewable sources. Their scalability enables customization to specific company needs, optimizing energy consumption and reducing operating costs. Although implementation requires substantial investments and regulatory hurdles, SMRs may become a cornerstone of sustainable energy and industrial stability.

"Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a breakthrough technology that will become an important step in the development of energy. Their flexibility and scalability allow for adaptation to the specific needs of enterprises, and the assembly of prefabricated elements and the small size of nuclear units facilitate the implementation of such a project. In addition, SMRs, thanks to their independence from weather conditions, are an attractive alternative to renewable energy sources, offering stable energy supplies with a low carbon footprint. In the long term, SMRs may become the foundation of sustainable energy development.

DB Energy cooperates with the American company Last Energy, offering modular reactors with a capacity of 20 MWe. In July 2022, we signed a letter of intent between the Legnica Special Economic Zone, Last Energy and DB Energy, under which ten small nuclear power plants are to be built in the Legnica Special Economic Zone. This is a big step towards the development of modular nuclear power. The first small reactors in Poland are to be launched in 2030.” - says Piotr Danielski, PhD, Member of the Management Board at DB Energy.

The application of artificial intelligence in energy management

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential for transforming the energy sector. In 2025, industrial enterprises are increasingly leveraging AI to monitor energy consumption, forecast demand, and optimize production processes.

AI facilitates better management of energy resources by employing intelligent systems capable of adjusting energy flow in real-time, minimizing losses. These solutions enable enterprises to reduce operational costs, improve energy efficiency, and lower CO₂ emissions.

Smart energy networks – the future of energy distribution

The advancement of smart energy networks (smart grids) is among the most significant trends of 2025. Utilizing digital technologies and advanced communication systems, smart grids effectively manage energy flows, integrating renewable energy sources and storage facilities with traditional power systems.

Smart grids automatically adjust energy production to meet demand, reducing energy losses and enhancing system efficiency. They also enable quicker failure detection, increasing reliability. For large production facilities, these systems yield substantial savings by monitoring energy consumption in real time. Companies can respond to demand fluctuations, reduce consumption during peak hours, and utilize renewable energy or capacity market schemes.

Decarbonization of the industry and evolving regulations

Further decarbonization of the industry will remain a pivotal goal for 2025. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for companies in Poland and across Europe. Stricter environmental regulations will compel businesses to adopt low-carbon practices.

Investments in green technologies—renewable energy, energy storage, hydrogen technologies, and energy efficiency—are critical. These efforts not only ensure compliance with regulations but also provide a competitive market advantage. Transition technologies and innovative approaches, as demonstrated by major economies like the U.S. and China, offer significant opportunities for industrial enterprises seeking to maintain competitiveness.

Sustainable development and corporate responsibility

In 2025, sustainable development and non-financial reporting will form the foundation of industrial companies' business strategies. Enterprises must consider economic, social, and environmental dimensions in their decision-making processes.

Publishing ESG reports allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible development. These reports, aligned with the NFRD and CSRD directives, encompass environmental, social, and corporate governance aspects. By adhering to these standards, businesses can enhance their credibility with investors, customers, and stakeholders.

The upcoming year will be pivotal as many companies assess the actual implementation of their sustainability goals. Listed companies, in particular, may face significant scrutiny, requiring adjustments to ensure feasibility. Effective emission reduction projects and realistic plans will be essential for maintaining trust and competitiveness.

Summary

2025 will be a crucial year for aligning sustainability goals with profitability and practical feasibility. Discussions about decarbonization and corporate responsibility will shape both EU climate policies and corporate strategies. Market leaders will adopt innovative, eco-friendly solutions and effective transition technologies to drive transformation.

Key trends such as energy storage, renewable energy adoption, and AI-driven optimization will propel industrial evolution. Companies that successfully implement emission monitoring and energy efficiency systems will not only meet regulatory requirements but also set benchmarks for sustainable management.

Technological innovation combined with responsible business practices will define success in the evolving energy landscape. Organizations taking comprehensive action on energy efficiency and emission reduction will not only secure their survival but also gain a competitive edge, contributing to a sustainable future.