Page 9 - ITAtube Journal 1 2026

Market information
Figure 1: Selected spot prices of industrial electrical
energy until March 2026 in €/MWh
Source: Kallanish.com, Statista.com
nature of development makes it chal-
lenging to respond in a timely manner.
Some manufacturers are reducing
their involvement in high-cost regions
such as Europe due to high costs, while
seeking political countermeasures to
off set these disadvantages.
All supply sources are under scrutiny,
and it is hoped that international trade
will not be adversely aff ected.
Disruptive times also create opportuni-
ties. Beyond oil and gas, new markets
such as electromobility and improve-
ments in production-site productivity
tied to environmentally friendly prac-
tices present opportunities, as does
enhanced customer service. In some
regions, such as the US, fi nding skilled
personnel is becoming increasingly
challenging. Technology providers are
expanding their portfolios to include
green, robotic, digital and AI solutions.
Tube Düsseldorf 2026 is a great oppor-
tunity to learn about recent develop-
ments that will help sustain the tube
and pipe industry.
As previously mentioned, the ongoing
availability of aff ordable energy is crucial.
We monitor energy costs in selected
regions worldwide (see Figure 1).
Electricity costs are infl uenced by geopo-
litical turbulence, regulations and energy
sources. Prices remain volatile, ranging
from 20 to 140 €/MWh depending on the
country (see Figure 1), refl ecting the signif-
icant increase over the last 20 years and
the subsequent economic uncertainties
faced by energy-intensive industries.
Figure 2 shows March 2025 electrical
Figure 2: Selected Prices of Industrial Electrical
Energy for Companies with a consumption of more
than 150 Mio. kWh per year in 2026 in €/MWh.
Source: Kallanish.com, Statista.com (March 2026)energy prices of selected countries.
Europe is experiencing signifi cant price
variations and rising costs. Sweden, France
and Spain are in a relatively better posi-
tion than Italy and Germany. Countries
with substantial nuclear or other low-cost,
base-load energy sources retain cost
advantages. For example, electricity costs
in Texas, USA, at around 78 €/MWh, are
about 20% lower than in many European
countries. China, with costs of around 66
€/MWh, is even 35% lower!
ITAtube Journal April 2026 9