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Market analyses by KfW IPEX-Bank

Energy storage. A flash analysis.

Without efficient energy storage, there can be no energy transition - because "green" energy sources such as sun and wind are not always available when you need them. So far, a few large providers dominate the market. But the large growth potential brings dynamism with it. How will the market change?

Published: July 2022

Automotive China. A flash analysis.

The expected slowdown in China's growth - which has remained high for years - could put a damper on Chinese demand for German cars. At the same time, competition with Chinese car manufacturers in China and on German markets is increasing. What does this mean for Germany's automotive industry, which currently generates a major share of its profits in China?

Published: May 2022

LNG tankers. A flash analysis.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, many western - especially European - countries are working tirelessly to reduce their dependence on Russian gas supplies as quickly as possible. One way to do this is to import LNG (liquefied natural gas), which can be transported by ship and injected into the national gas grid after regasification. What impacts will the sudden jump in demand for LNG tankers have?

Published: May 2022

Sustainable Aviation Fuels. A flash analysis.

The aviation industry is responsible for approx. 2% of global CO2 emissions, making it a major factor contributing to climate change. If passenger numbers rise as projected, targeted countermeasures will be needed if aviation is to contribute to fulfilling the Paris Climate Agreement. Can using sustainable fuels help solve the problem?

Published: June 2021

No ordering spree in container shipping in sight. A flash analysis.

Profits in the container shipping sector have risen remarkably during the COVID-19 pandemic. But has it also led to an increase in orders for newbuilds? Quite the contrary: the orderbook is still at a record low. And this at a time when a growing part of the operating fleet is approaching scrapping age. The current Flash Analysis explains the reasons why.

Published: February 2021

The telecommunications sector – damaging the environment or saving it? A flash analysis.

Telecommunications companies are often said to have a positive influence on the global climate. But how green is the sector really? The advance of digitalisation also leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions and, in individual cases, has been identified as a potential climate change accelerator.

Published: February 2021

After the 5G auction comes the real work: rollout. A flash analysis.

Germany's first 5G auction ended in mid-2019, marking a major milestone in introducing the 'key technology for digital transformation'. Which challenges still await the telecoms companies until full-scale 5G coverage? How will they be able to confront them?

Published: February 2020

Who's afraid of Amazon? A flash analysis.

Digital players like Amazon are increasingly influencing operations in the air cargo industry, which will lead to lasting changes in the sector. How is the current situation and what kind of changes for the global air cargo industry can be foreseen?

Published: January 2020

Blockchain bonanza in merchant shipping. A flash analysis.

Every piece of freight shipped involves around 30 people and more than 200 interactions. Approximately 50% of container transport costs are incurred as a result of communication and bureaucracy. Do blockchain applications have the potential to significantly reduce these inefficiencies?

Published: October 2019

Flash Analysis: Airplane manufacturer

The "Made in China 2025" strategy has identified the aviation industry as one of the country's strategic growth industries. Around ten years ago, the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) presented its C919 narrowbody programme. Will Comac become a successful competitor for the Airbus-Boeing duopoly around the globe?

Published: April 2019

Blockchain in the energy sector. A flash analysis.

These days everyone seems to be talking about blockchain - in the financial and telecoms sectors in particular, millions have already been invested. In the energy industry, on the other hand, blockchain projects are still in the experimental phase. What opportunities can blockchain offer the energy industry? Will it even lead to a revolution?

Published: May 2018

Service for wind turbines. A flash analysis.

The increasing demand for wind energy has made the market for operation and maintenance (O&M) of wind turbines a billion-dollar business – but how will this business field develop in the future? Will the market even consolidate in the medium term?

Published: May 2018

Container shipping companies and big data systems. A flash analysis

Real time transmission of data: continuous consignment tracking and adjusting ship speeds for changing weather conditions save money. How else can the industry utilize big data to optimize yield and costs?

Published: March 2018

'Big Oil' – Death of a business model? A flash analysis.

Throughout their long history, the world's major international oil corporations have overcome quite a few crises. However, their business model now appears to be under more threat than ever before. Is their business model at risk of becoming redundant?

Published: December 2017

The future of sea ports. A flash analysis.

Automation in port terminals is just the beginning of a fundamental change in the global logistics industry. How can both port authorities and container terminal operators develop their business models to make the most of the opportunities presented by Logistics 4.0.?