Ulf Heitmüller

Chairman of the Executive Board (CEO), Vng Verbundnetz Gas

Search every verified Ulf Heitmüller interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a 2019 interview, Ulf Heitmüller discussed the importance of an integrated energy transition, stating that changes to the energy system must be holistic and realistic. He emphasized balancing climate compatibility, social acceptability (including cost), and supply security, which he described as crucial for Germany as an industrial nation. He noted that Germany requires around 2,500 terawatt-hours of primary energy annually, with roughly 1,000 terawatt-hours moving through gas systems and about 500 terawatt-hours through electricity, of which around 180 come from renewables. He argued that achieving 80 to 85 percent decarbonization represents a significant step. Heitmüller also mentioned that his company's strategy includes a willingness to fail, and that this approach has been coordinated with the company's owners. He highlighted examples of innovation in the energy sector, such as a vibrant startup scene in Leipzig and a cooperative initiative with the Fraunhofer Institute in Dresden, expressing optimism that these efforts could yield substantial results.