The Energy Revolution Gaining Momentum
A new report from Schneider Electric, titled “Europe Energy Security and Competitiveness – Supercharging Electrification,” reveals that Europe could save €250 billion every year by 2040 through accelerated electrification.
Currently, only 21% of the continent’s economy is electrified, a figure that hasn’t changed in a decade and lags 10% behind China. The findings highlight both a challenge and a business opportunity: Europe must move faster to modernize its energy systems and embrace clean electricity as a driver of growth.
A Vision Backed by Industry Leaders
Laurent Bataille, Executive Vice President for Europe Operations at Schneider Electric, calls for urgent and coordinated action:
“Electrification is vital — not only for achieving our climate ambitions, but for driving economic growth, energy independence, and industrial competitiveness. The technology is here, ready to deploy. Now, policy must incentivize and businesses must drive implementation to unlock the economic and environmental gains we need to see today.”
Where Entrepreneurs and Investors Can Begin
The electrification wave is not a distant vision — it is unfolding now, creating a wide range of profitable investment opportunities. Here are key areas where business leaders can take the lead:
1. Smart Buildings and Energy-Efficient Infrastructure
Real estate and construction are transforming rapidly. Entrepreneurs can invest in companies producing or installing heat pumps, smart lighting, energy storage, and building management systems. Retrofitting older buildings for electrification — replacing gas systems with electric ones — will soon become a high-demand market, supported by EU renovation programs.
2. Electric Mobility and Charging Ecosystems
The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is one of the fastest-growing segments in Europe. Beyond car manufacturing, there are major opportunities in EV charging stations, fleet electrification for logistics firms, shared mobility platforms, and charging-as-a-service business models. Municipal contracts and private partnerships in this space are expanding rapidly.
3. Renewable Generation and Energy Storage
Investing in solar, wind, and battery technologies offers both environmental and financial benefits. Entrepreneurs can explore local solar cooperatives, invest in microgrids, or back battery storage companies that stabilize fluctuating renewable supply. The rise of distributed energy generation will reshape the European grid in the next decade.
4. Industrial Electrification and Automation
Manufacturing remains one of the largest consumers of fossil energy. Replacing gas-powered systems with electric alternatives — such as induction heating, electric furnaces, and electrified process lines — reduces both operational costs and emissions. Investors can support companies developing automation and AI-driven optimization tools that make electrified production more efficient.
5. Digital Energy Management and Data Innovation
As energy systems become smarter, data becomes central. Startups and tech investors should focus on IoT, predictive maintenance, and AI analytics platforms that help organizations monitor, optimize, and reduce energy use. This intersection of electrification and digitalization is where Europe can gain a clear competitive edge.
The Business Case for a Sustainable Future
For forward-thinking entrepreneurs, electrification it’s a strategic investment in Europe’s future competitiveness. The technologies are proven, financing instruments are growing, and consumer demand for sustainable solutions is stronger than ever.
By aligning their capital and creativity with this transition, business leaders can generate long-term value while helping Europe achieve energy independence and a cleaner, more resilient economy.
