An exclusive survey collected 106 responses from business leaders in the French-speaking Greater Region and reveals an encouraging dynamic: 70% of companies have set themselves energy transition objectives, with 42% already having clear and formalised objectives, and 28% in the structuring phase of their approach.

This study, carried out on the initiative of Picto Communication, sponsored by Enerdeal and conducted in collaboration with IMS Luxembourg, Agoria, ELN and Intraco Consulting, lifts the veil on the priorities, obstacles and expectations of companies in this strategic area.

Customer pressure, the unsuspected driver of the transition

The survey overturns preconceived ideas about the drivers of the energy transition. Contrary to expectations, customer pressure is the main lever for change (45%), far ahead of employees (20%), shareholders (17%) and even regulators (14%).

Even more surprising, banks and financiers come in last place (9%), questioning the effectiveness of ESG criteria in corporate financing.

"This hierarchy of pressures reveals that the market is pushing more effectively than regulation towards the energy transition," says François Neu, General Manager of Enerdeal Luxembourg. "Customers vote with their wallets for greener solutions."

A positive dynamic despite the challenges to be met

The survey reveals the growing maturity of regional companies. 70% of managers have defined energy transition objectives: 42% with a clear and formalised roadmap, 28% with defined objectives that still need to be formalised. Only 16% are still in the process of being defined and 14% have not yet taken this step.

This gradual structuring is accompanied by an awareness of the financial stakes: 75% of managers anticipate an increase in energy prices in the next 10 years, a third of whom expect a sharp increase.

This anticipation leads 55% of companies to consider that an increase of more than 50% in the price of energy would represent a risk of danger for their business.

"This positive dynamic reflects a mature awareness in the private sector," says Nancy Thomas, Director of IMS Luxembourg. "Companies that structure their approach to the energy transition today are taking a decisive step ahead."

Economic priorities and climate goals: the new equation

The survey reveals a major shift in entrepreneurial priorities. Medium- and long-term budget control (58%) has become the No. 1 concern, even ahead of the reduction of CO2 emissions (47%). This hierarchy reflects a more pragmatic approach to the energy transition, where profitability and sustainability are no longer opposed.

The CSR image (23%) and cost reduction (44%) are two decisive factors in the motivations for transition, confirming that the environment has become a lever for commercial differentiation for 77% of the companies surveyed.

Technological innovation as a concrete response

Faced with these challenges, companies are turning massively to innovation. 48% are betting on artificial intelligence to optimise their energy performance, with 37% integrating it into their medium-term objectives.

The electric mobility revolution is also underway: 66% of companies are committed to the electrification of their fleet, with 35% having already electrified more than half of their vehicles. Range (49%) and cost (34%) remain the main obstacles identified.

Strong ambitions for a successful transition

The study reveals concrete ambitions among committed companies. Of those that have set energy reduction targets, 37% aim for a reduction of around 10% in the next 3 years, 11% aim for up to 20% over the same period, and 20% of the most proactive companies target more than 30% CO2 reduction within 5 years.

This polarisation is confirmed in the expectations of the public authorities: 60% favour a posteriori incentives rather than preventive subsidies, showing a preference for the recognition of results rather than start-up aid.

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Towards a new energy governance

The survey confirms that energy has become a strategic issue in 53% of companies, directly followed by general management. This increase in power is reflected in a professionalization of environmental reporting: 57% carry out a carbon footprint and 50% rely on ISO/BREEAM certifications.

"The results of this survey show the growing maturity of the regional entrepreneurial fabric in the face of climate challenges, where economic performance and environmental responsibility are converging towards a more resilient business model," concludes Frédéric Liégeois, Director of Picto Communication.

Methodology and representativeness

This 30-question survey was conducted from 24 July to 12 September 2025 and 106 business leaders from the Greater French-speaking Region responded to this online questionnaire. 58% of the companies surveyed employ more than 50 people.

The majority of respondents hold general management (53%) or QHSE/CSR/Sustainable Development (20%) positions, ensuring a strategic vision of the issues addressed.