Düsseldorf, February 11, 2026 – Prologis has published its 2026 Supply Chain Outlook, developed with The Harris Poll, revealing how senior executives in Germany are reshaping supply chains amid power instability, rising operational risks and the rapid advance of automation. The study surveyed more than 1,800 senior leaders worldwide, including 270 in Germany.
The findings show that energy reliability has become a critical constraint for German supply chains. Companies are contending with grid fluctuations, fuel shortages and growing power requirements, even as they accelerate investment in automation and digital systems. One in three respondents in Germany ranks energy security among the three most important challenges for 2026.
“Power has become one of the most decisive factors in supply-chain planning in Germany and across Northern Europe,” said Björn Thiemann, Senior Vice President, Regional Head Northern Europe at Prologis. “Customers are increasing their use of automation and electrified transport, but these systems depend on stable energy. Facilities that can secure capacity early and offer resilience are becoming essential.”
German supply chains exposed to energy disruption
New data highlights the scale of the challenge facing German operators:
- 44% of German executives experienced voltage fluctuations that affected equipment in the past year.
- 38% reported rolling blackouts or brownouts, and a similar share experienced natural gas shortages.
- 44% operate at Power Chain Readiness Levels 1 or 2 only, meaning many remain vulnerable during extended outages.
Leaders increasingly see energy reliability alongside labour and transport costs as a key factor in location decisions, reflecting a shift towards resilience and regional self-sufficiency.
Automation becomes a strategic priority
Germany stands out for its rapid automation adoption. According to the report:
- 42% of German leaders rank automation and robotics among their top capital investment priorities for 2026. Only China (47%) puts an even greater focus on this topic.
- AI and automation are being used to offset volatility, improve quality control and limit operational risk. In Germany, as in all other countries surveyed, AI is clearly the dominant topic in investment priorities, but with 67 per cent it leads less clearly than in other markets.
This is consistent with wider market activity, where demand for modern, energy-ready facilities continues to rise across Germany’s most constrained corridors. No other country prioritizes energy efficiency in its investments for 2026 as strongly as Germany.
Regionalisation accelerates
German leaders also expect supply chains to become more regional by 2030. Just over half (53%) say that their own supply chain strategy is moving toward greater localisation, reducing exposure to global shocks and securing capacity closer to major consumption centres.
Energy reliability has become one of the strongest drivers of this shift, with 32% of German executives ranking it among their top three factors when deciding where to operate, alongside labour costs and tariffs.
“Scarcity is reshaping the market,” Thiemann added. “The locations customers want most are those where power is available, infrastructure is proven and new space is limited. Modern, energy-ready facilities will continue to outperform.”
About the report
The 2026 Supply Chain Outlook draws on responses from senior leaders across Germany, the UK, U.S., India, China and Mexico. It examines key trends shaping global supply chains in the years ahead, including energy resilience, AI and automation, and the growing shift toward regionalised networks.
The full report is available here.
