Germany's Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said high energy costs in the country, driven up in part by a transition to low and zero carbon sources, is pushing industry to "breaking point" and prompting some to relocate abroad, according to a survey of 3,100 companies it published on Monday.
The chamber, known in Germany as the DIHK, says the situation has now been exacerbated by global crises that have compounded increases in energy costs.
"The consequences are declining competitiveness, postponed investments, and the relocation of production capacities abroad," DIHK President Peter Adrian said.
More than 40% of companies surveyed said their competitiveness had been reduced by the costs of Germany's energy transition. In the industrial sector, this was the view of two thirds of respondents.
The report said that Germany is "losing businesses and investments" as a result, with some companies postponing planned investments or spending less on research and development.
The survey showed that one in five German companies are considering or are making plans for a move abroad. Among industrial respondents, this figure is 40% and it is about 60% for large industrial enterprises.
The report did not say whether this referred to partial or full relocation of their business operations.
The DIHK called for energy markets led by market forces and more competitively-priced energy supplies and for lower taxes and charges on energy supplies.