Powering a Sustainable Future
Interview with Torsten Röglin, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) GmbH
The city of Frankfurt (Oder) is located in eastern Germany near the Polish border, and has a population of around 60,000 residents. In common with many German cities, essential services like electricity, gas and heating are supplied by a municipal utility company. Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) GmbH operates under this distinctly German model which promotes an independent approach to energy generation, management and supply. In an interview with European Business, Managing Director Torsten Röglin describes how this model allows for a more personalized energy provision, emphasizing sustainability and customer engagement.
European Business: Mr. Röglin, what is the core mission of Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder)?
Torsten Röglin: The core mission of Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) is to provide reliable, sustainable and affordable energy solutions to our community. We operate a comprehensive energy supply system, including a district heating network, electricity, and gas supply. Our focus is on integrating renewable energy sources and minimizing our carbon footprint, as well as reducting costs for our clients.
European Business: Can you share your previous background and experience?
Torsten Röglin: I joined the company in 2019 after spending approximately 20 years with the major energy player E.ON, where I worked in various capacities, including energy trading and network management. My technical background as a nuclear technician gives me a unique perspective on the energy sector, allowing me to understand the complexities of energy generation and distribution. However, one of the key motivations was my desire to engage more closely with clients and the community.
European Business: How does Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) differentiate itself from larger energy companies?
Torsten Röglin: One significant advantage of being a municipally/privately-owned utility company is our proximity to customers. Unlike larger corporations that may struggle to connect with their customer base, we can engage directly with our community. If a customer has a question or a concern, I can walk out of the door and speak to them directly. This close relationship fosters trust and allows us to tailor our services to meet the specific needs of our customers.
European Business: What strategic goals have you pursued since taking on your role?
Torsten Röglin: One of my primary goals has been to transition away from coal and reduce our CO2 footprint. In 2018, we decided to replace our coal-fired combined heat and power plant with a gas-powered facility. This transition was a significant step towards sustainability, and the new plant was inaugurated in 2022. Since then, it has been operating successfully, providing reliable energy, heat, and power while minimizing environmental impact.
European Business: How do you address the challenges posed by energy supply volatility?
Torsten Röglin: The volatility in the price of energy, especially due to geopolitical factors, has been a challenge. However, we are committed to ensuring a stable energy supply for our customers. Our gas-powered facility allows us to provide energy consistently while we develop smaller, decentralized energy solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability.
European Business: What role does customer engagement play in your operations?
Torsten Röglin: We are actively promoting solar energy solutions for our customers. For homeowners, we offer tailored photovoltaic systems that can be paired with battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations. Our goal is to empower residents to generate their own energy and contribute to a sustainable future.
European Business: How does Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) approach digital transformation?
Torsten Röglin: Digital transformation is a critical aspect of our strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated our digital initiatives, enabling us to streamline operations and enhance customer service. We are also working towards becoming a competitive metering service provider, which is essential for optimizing energy supply and demand.
European Business: What are your plans for the future?
Torsten Röglin: Looking ahead, we aim to further integrate renewable energy sources into our portfolio. We are exploring projects related to geothermal energy and heat pumps, which will play a vital role in our transition to a greener energy landscape. Additionally, we are committed to community engagement and ensuring that our services align with the needs of our residents.
European Business: How do you envision the role of Stadtwerke in the broader energy landscape?
Torsten Röglin: Municipal utilities providers like ours are essential for the energy transition in Germany. We have the local knowledge and customer relationships that larger corporations may lack. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement positions us as key players in the future energy landscape, ensuring that we can adapt to changing demands.