Christian Dürr, the former chairman of the FDP, is transitioning into the private sector. The trained economist will take on the role of CEO for the Munich-based start-up GLE360 starting August 1st. The company aims to facilitate the nascent market for synthetic fuels, as he told the newspaper FAZ (Thursday edition). GLE stands for Green Liquid Energy. The GmbH, founded only last year and employing 46 people, provides a platform connecting international e-fuel suppliers with European customers.
While he served as faction leader in the governing coalition, Dürr advocated for climate protection that is technology-agnostic. The FDP strongly promoted the possibility of registering combustion engine vehicles in the EU after 2035, provided they are run on e-fuels. The EU recognizes these fuels as a climate protection measure, although the market is still in its infancy.
Dürr stated to FAZ that the new position is both “emotionally and politically” suited to him. He believes that for Germany to meet its climate goals, its energy supply in the future must rely more heavily on importing synthetic fuels from nations that can produce them affordably. “Cars, ships, or airplanes can already be fueled with renewable energies today. What is missing is a platform for producers and buyers. That is exactly what GLE360 is doing,” Dürr explained. Furthermore, he is attracted to the brief decision-making processes offered by a start-up environment.
His move into business also reflects the consequences of the power struggle within the FDP, which resulted in his loss against Wolfgang Kubicki in May. Dürr had aimed for the party chairmanship in 2025 after the Bundestag election failed, a scenario in which then-FDP leader Christian Lindner had assumed responsibility. However, his leadership did not lead to a successful fresh start for the party.
