An exclusive survey collected 106 responses from business leaders in the French-speaking Greater Region and reveals an encouraging trend: 70% of companies have set energy transition goals, with 42% already having clear and formalized objectives, and 28% currently structuring their approach.
This study, initiated by Picto Communication, sponsored by Enerdeal, and conducted in collaboration with IMS Luxembourg, Agoria, ELN, and Intraco Consulting, sheds light on the priorities, obstacles, and expectations of companies in this strategic field.
Customer pressure: the unexpected driver of transition
The survey challenges common perceptions about the drivers of energy transition. Contrary to expectations, customer pressure is the main lever of change (45%), far ahead of employees (20%), shareholders (17%), and even regulators (14%).
Even more surprising, banks and financial institutions rank last (9%), raising questions about the effectiveness of ESG criteria in corporate financing.
“This hierarchy of pressures shows that the market is pushing more effectively than regulation towards energy transition,” analyzes François Neu, General Manager of Enerdeal Luxembourg. “Customers are voting with their wallets for greener solutions.”
Positive momentum despite challenges ahead
The survey highlights a growing maturity among regional companies. 70% of executives have defined energy transition objectives: 42% with a clear and formalized roadmap, 28% with defined but not yet formalized goals. Only 16% are still in the definition stage, and 14% have not yet started the process.
This gradual structuring is accompanied by an awareness of financial stakes: 75% of leaders anticipate rising energy prices in the next 10 years, with one-third expecting a sharp increase.
This anticipation drives 55% of companies to believe that an energy price hike of more than 50% would represent a severe risk for their business.
“This positive momentum demonstrates a mature awareness in the private sector,” emphasizes Nancy Thomas, Director of IMS Luxembourg. “Companies that structure their approach to energy transition today are gaining a decisive head start.”
Economic priorities and climate goals: the new equation
The survey reveals a major shift in entrepreneurial priorities. Medium- and long-term budget control (58%) is now the number one concern, even ahead of CO₂ reduction (47%). This hierarchy reflects a more pragmatic approach to the energy transition, where profitability and sustainability are no longer seen as contradictory.
CSR image (23%) and cost reduction (44%) are two decisive factors driving transition efforts, confirming that the environment has become a commercial differentiation lever for 77% of the surveyed companies.
Technological innovation as a concrete response
In the face of these challenges, companies are massively turning to innovation. 48% are betting on artificial intelligence to optimize their energy performance, with 37% planning to integrate it into their medium-term goals.
The electric mobility revolution is also underway: 66% of companies are engaged in electrifying their fleets, with 35% already having electrified more than half of their vehicles. Autonomy (49%) and cost (34%) remain the main barriers.
Strong ambitions for a successful transition
The study reveals concrete ambitions among engaged companies. Of those with set energy reduction targets, 37% aim for around a 10% cut within the next 3 years, 11% aim for up to 20% in the same timeframe, and 20% of the most proactive companies target more than 30% CO₂ reduction within 5 years.
This polarization is also reflected in expectations toward public authorities: 60% favor ex-post incentives over preventive subsidies, showing a preference for recognition of results rather than start-up support.
Toward new energy governance
The survey confirms that energy has become a strategic issue for 53% of companies, directly overseen by top management. This growing importance is reflected in a professionalization of environmental reporting: 57% conduct carbon assessments and 50% rely on ISO/BREEAM certifications.
“The results of this survey illustrate the growing maturity of the regional entrepreneurial fabric in the face of climate challenges, where economic performance and environmental responsibility converge towards a more resilient business model,” concludes Frédéric Liégeois, Administrator of Picto Communication.
Methodology and representativeness
This 30-question survey was conducted between July 24 and September 12, 2025, and 106 business leaders from the French-speaking Greater Region responded via an online questionnaire. 58% of the surveyed companies employ more than 50 people.
The respondents are mainly top executives (53%) or QHSE/CSR/Sustainable Development managers (20%), ensuring a strategic vision of the issues addressed.