Energy prices in focus: Thuringian companies on the way to climate neutrality!

Energy prices in focus: Thuringian companies on the way to climate neutrality!

High energy prices represent one of the biggest challenges for the Thuringian economy. The ZO.RRO project was launched to support companies in implementing a secure and sustainable energy supply. This energy research project focuses on the decarbonization of energy supplies in industry and was founded in 2019. The interim results of the follow-up project ZO.RRO II were presented at a conference in Erfurt on September 18, 2025. In his speech, Thuringia's Energy Minister Tilo Kummer emphasized the central importance of energy costs for the international competitiveness of companies. The ZO.RRO II SME project is funded by the Ministry of Energy with 2.3 million euros and aims to reduce dependencies and save costs.

Around 100 guests from various areas took part in the discussions at the conference, including representatives from business, science, administration and politics. Ilmenau University of Technology leads the ZO.RRO II project, which specifically deals with the glass industry. The first successfully tested optimization models for this industry have already been presented. Digitalization plays a key role here, as it enables the implementation of young models at demonstrator locations. In addition, interactive workshops were offered to present digital tools to support production companies. The topics included, among other things, CO2 accounting, intelligent energy management and energy-oriented production planning.

Innovative approaches to energy efficiency

The project partners in ZO.RRO II have developed several successful approaches to energy-efficient and climate-friendly production. Thomas Günther from Dyckerhoff GmbH presented a promising project for CO2 capture in concrete and cement production, while Fabian Hoppe from HM Heizkörper GmbH spoke about the various facets of decarbonization in medium-sized companies. The aim of the ZO.RRO II SME project phase is to develop and implement realistic future scenarios for a climate-neutral energy supply, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The need for companies to rethink existing processes and implement innovative technologies is becoming increasingly urgent. Michael Schenk, project manager at the Thuringian Energy and GreenTech Agency (Thega), also emphasizes that targeted investments in energy efficiency, material savings and renewable energies can open up new market opportunities in the area of ​​green products and services. Thuringia's industry must now make a transition towards a low-greenhouse gas economy, especially in energy and material-intensive sectors.

Free consulting offers for companies

Thega plays an essential role as a contact for decarbonization in Thuringia. The newly founded competence center “Decarbonization of the Economy” offers practical support and develops innovative solutions. Companies receive a free initial consultation, which includes, among other things, an analysis of energy and material consumption as well as the identification of savings potential and decarbonization measures. Interested companies can contact a Thega expert by filling out an online questionnaire and then receive an individual consulting report with recommendations.

The next steps of this campaign will be crucial to how well Thuringian companies can achieve their decarbonization goals. The final conference to present the final results of ZO.RRO II is scheduled for June 18, 2026. The successful transformation of Thuringia's industry towards greater sustainability depends largely on the implementation of these projects and the support of initiatives such as Thega and ZO.RRO II.