Ifo: Niedriger CO₂-Preis bremst Investitionen fürs Klima
Wann investieren Unternehmen in klimafreundliche Projekte, wann warten sie ab? Dem sind Forscher des Ifo-Instituts nachgegangen – und haben überraschende Erkenntnisse.
A recent Ifo survey reveals that German industrial companies are more likely to invest in climate-friendly technologies if the CO₂ price is higher and more predictable. Mathias Dolls, an Ifo researcher, explains that "for many companies, predictable CO₂ prices determine whether an investment in a new, climate-friendly facility is worthwhile."
On average, companies only invest when the price is consistently above 90 euros per tonne of CO₂. However, when faced with volatile prices, companies refrain from investing in climate protection projects, as stated in the Ifo study involving 830 industrial firms. When the anticipated CO₂ price reaches 175 euros, the decision becomes clear in favor of climate-friendly investments.
Currently, European emissions trading prices hover around 70 to 90 euros, close to the threshold where an average German industrial company begins investing in climate-friendly projects, but a significant portion remains hesitant, according to Ifo researcher Gerome Wolf. The survey highlights that alongside the CO₂ price, price fluctuations play a central role in investment decisions.
When companies anticipate high fluctuations, they delay investment even with a high average price, as reported by the Ifo. Reliable political conditions are therefore crucial.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
