The showcase project for an energy transition in the Global South is stalling: South Africa is debating whether to keep its coal-fired power plants running longer than planned. The country is plagued by power shortages, blackouts, and a state-owned power company in shambles.
By Bernhard Pötter
India has officially decided to decarbonize its energy sector. Experts are simultaneously debating the timing and scope of the coal phase-out. Soon, no more new power plants are supposed to be built. But the problems are in the details.
By Goswami Urmi
The defense company Rheinmetall is aiming to enter the heat pump market and is investing in the production of important components. So far, there is a great dependence on Asia and China in this sector. However, experts do not expect China to dominate the world market as it does the solar industry.
By Nico Beckert
Protests against Volkswagen's involvement in Xinjiang are intensifying. During the annual general meeting, a pie is thrown towards the podium and an activist tears off her clothing from her upper body. The company responds with stubborn PR clichés. Whether this is enough to appease the critics is questionable.
By Marcel Grzanna
China is pushing for the development of solar and wind energy. After a dip in expansion statistics in the last two years, wind power is now set to take off again. The expansion targets are ambitious; provinces provide subsidies and companies focus on scale. However, power grids and power markets need to improve to make renewable energy efficient.
By Christiane Kuehl
It was hard enough to find a common position on the AI Act in the lead parliamentary committees. Still, there could be surprises in Thursday's vote – not everyone is behind the rapporteurs' compromise. The trilogue negotiations will not be easy either.
By Corinna Visser
On Wednesday, Volkswagen's executive board will have to defend its China operations to shareholders: Loss of market leadership, the shortfall in the electric segment, and, above all, many unanswered questions about Chinese human rights violations in Xinjiang.
By Marcel Grzanna
Annalena Baerbock receives Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Berlin. It is their third meeting in only a few weeks. But there is no sign of burgeoning harmony, especially after China recently uninvited Baerbock's cabinet colleague Christian Lindner.
By Michael Radunski
Each of the heads of state and government from the 27 member states is invited once to present their plans for the future of the EU to the European Parliament. On Europe Day, it was Chancellor Olaf Scholz's turn. In the ensuing debate, he was criticized for despondency and a lack of initiatives.
By Markus Grabitz
With pesticide regulation and renaturation law, the EU Commission wants to ensure the resilience of the food supply in Europe. Farmers fear for their existence and criticize that the laws rather endanger food security. Many agricultural states are calling for far-reaching changes.
By Lukas Knigge
