Content of the study

Underground pipeline construction in Germany is facing a historic growth spurt: according to our study, the market will grow by up to 14% per year until 2030. The main drivers are the energy transition, the accelerated expansion of digital infrastructure and government investment programs worth billions. At the same time, the ongoing shortage of skilled workers is leading to a structural shortage of available capacities - with far-reaching effects on competitive dynamics.
 
With an announced investment volume of over 500 billion euros in the infrastructure sector - including electricity, hydrogen, district heating and fiber optic networks - civil engineering is becoming the focus of public and political attention. The market is benefiting from a broad field of demand: while digitalisation and the expansion of the electricity grid are the main drivers in cable civil engineering, the focus in pipeline civil engineering is on upgrading existing systems - particularly with regard to the switch from gas to hydrogen and the decarbonisation of urban heat supply. Civil engineering is increasingly becoming a strategic lever for reducing CO₂ emissions in industry and residential areas.
The study also shows that the market is experiencing increasing consolidation. Smaller, regional providers in particular are coming under pressure in the face of increasing technical requirements and growing certification obligations. In contrast, nationally active, certified companies with clear technical specialisation are gaining in importance - not least because they can implement more complex projects with higher margins.
 
At the same time, market developments are opening up new opportunities for investors and strategic market players. Underground cable construction has comparatively low barriers to entry, while pipeline construction scores highly in terms of scalability. Buy-and-build strategies, regional expansion and targeted professionalisation are seen as key levers for sustainable growth.
 

PLEASE NOTE: The study is currently only available in German.

Your contact persons

Christoph Blepp
Christoph BleppManaging Partner
Christoph Blepp is one of the leading strategy consultants in the construction and construction supply industry as well as in the infrastructure sector with extensive expertise in the areas of strategy development, value creation and corporate management. His focus is on achieving sustainable effects for companies and combining strategic initiatives with measurable results.
 
Through his analytical approach and deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, Christoph is able to develop customised solutions that drive both operational efficiency and strategic growth. His focus on holistic strategies, combined with his hands-on experience in managing complex business operations, makes him a sought-after partner for clients seeking sustainable success.
 
‘The transformation of the entire building construction, infrastructure and energy sector is leading to strong pressure for change and enables completely new approaches to strategy. Helping companies to create sustainable and superior business models is what drives me.’’

Florian Moll
Florian MollDirector

Florian completed his Master of Engineering at Heidelberg University of Applied Sciences. He gained several years of professional experience at a strategy boutique and PwC in the area of deals strategy.

He has strong project experience mainly in the construction supply industry in the areas of commercial deals, strategy development and strategy implementation.

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