For the energy transition to succeed, we need significantly more wind and solar energy in our electricity grid. The problem is that both energy sources are subject to major fluctuations. However, generation and consumption must always be balanced in the electricity grid.
In addition to flexible gas-fired power plants and many battery storage systems, smart meters are seen as a solution to the problem. This is because these digital electricity meters record exactly how much electricity is consumed and when, and are a prerequisite for dynamic electricity tariffs, which can save a lot of money if you adjust your consumption behaviour.
However, Germany is lagging far behind other countries in the delivery and installation of smart meters. Karsten Schäfer talks to Bastian Gierull, CEO of Octopus Energy Germany, and Kai Lobo, Deputy Managing Director of the German Association of Local Utilities (vku), about why this is the case and how the smart meter rollout in Germany, and therefore the energy transition, can be accelerated.
Timeline:
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Bastian Gierull has been CEO of Octopus Energy Germany since July 2023. In his role as Head of Germany, he has set himself the goal of revolutionising the German energy market together with Octopus Energy. Without a lot of blah-blah, but with clear words and more importantly - effective action - he wants to make green, fair and affordable energy possible for everyone.
Bastian previously headed the Marketing, Product and Technology department at Octopus Energy. Before joining Octopus Energy, Bastian gained valuable experience in management and marketing at various start-ups.
Dr Kai Roger Lobo has been Deputy Managing Director of the German Association of Local Utilities (VKU) in Berlin and Managing Director of the Energy Industry department since September 2023. Previously, he headed the German policy team at family-owned company Viessmann and helped set up the Berlin office for the energy company STEAG. After studying political science and completing a doctorate in energy policy, he also worked for the German Energy Agency (dena) and the Federal Ministry of Economics.
He has also been involved in local politics in Berlin on a voluntary basis for many years. His professional focus is on energy and climate policy in Germany and Europe, its players and governance structures.
