The Chairwoman of the Board of ENTEGA, Dr. In an interview with the editorial team, Marie-Luise Wolff explains, among other things, why investing in renewable energies is worthwhile, why personal lifestyle is also a political question, and why she warns against political extremism.
Ms. Wolff, Germany is in a recession and global wars and crises are making the conditions for companies increasingly unstable. Aren't massive investments like those ENTEGA is planning in the expansion of renewables and the fiber optic network far too risky?
The opposite is the case. If we don't invest now, especially in the energy transition, it would have fatal consequences not only for us as a company, but also for Darmstadt and southern Hesse. Climate change is a challenge for humanity, it even threatens the existence of our species. We know the measures that can at least curb the warming of the planet and we, as companies in the energy industry, have the means in our hands. “Property obliges” is wisely stated in our constitution. This also means that we as a company must do everything in our power to counteract the climate catastrophe. That's why, for example, the more than 300 million euros that ENTEGA will invest in the expansion of wind power in the coming years is money well spent. By the way, also in a purely economic sense: it is already paying off that we consistently relied on the energy transition as a business model much earlier than most others, which is why we are now in a better position as a company than some of our competitors.
Climate change also concerns you personally – not just as CEO of ENTEGA. How do you see the current situation, even after the world climate conference in Dubai?
To be honest, it is a great disappointment to me that the international community has not been able to agree on phasing out fossil fuels in the foreseeable future. We have long known the cause of the warming of the planet, it is CO 2 . That's why we need to stop producing energy by burning coal as quickly as possible. Exit oil and gas. With its corporate strategy, ENTEGA shows that it can be successful.
But doesn't the fight against climate change also require us all to change our lifestyles?
Of course. If we want to prevent the 2.8 degrees of warming that threatens us with all its terrible consequences, we all have to fly less, drive less and eat less meat, to name just three examples. It is up to politicians to set an example and, on the other hand, to explain much better than before what it is actually about: the end game for humanity, as the subtitle of one of my books reads.
In addition to expanding renewable energy, ENTEGA is also investing primarily in the fiber optic network. Do you also assume that the investments will pay off?
Of course. It is very clear that the need for fast and broadband Internet will continue to increase massively in the coming years. So who, if not we, who know more about networks in our region than anyone else, should invest in this area.
Why does ENTEGA invest significantly in the region?
I would like the investments that ENTEGA has decided to be understood as a commitment to our region. We live in a prosperous region in southern Hesse; Darmstadt is one of the most economically prosperous and still fastest-growing cities in the country.
You have made political statements in the past and warned against extremism. What are the reasons for taking a political stance?
I sometimes have the feeling that we don't value the good conditions we have in Germany enough and therefore give too much space to the problems that undoubtedly exist. This attitude then makes it easy for populists and extremists. I can only warn against falling for parties like the AfD. They want nothing less than to change our country into a country that is no longer cosmopolitan, unfree, and hostile to plurality. I express myself politically because I don't want to live in a Germany like this. In addition, for ENTEGA, diversity and an innovation-friendly climate are very important for economic success. There would no longer be room for this in an AfD Germany. It is currently about defending our individual, social and economic freedom. Everyone should be aware of this.
Finally, a question on another topic: You gave up the office of BDEW President after six years. What is your personal balance? I am very grateful that my colleagues have trusted me to lead this association, which is extremely important for our industry, for six years. I was able to have a lot of experiences and learning curves and had incredibly valuable encounters - the highlight being my participation in the gas price commission in the difficult winter of 2022. This resulted in synergies in terms of content, but also numerous contacts, which were also invaluable for my main task at ENTEGA.
