The European Commission wants to help member states get started on grid expansion. However, several documents show how the German government is working behind the scenes to oppose Brussels taking a stronger role.
By Manuel Berkel
The German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has finalized drafts bills for the grids package and the amendment to the Renewable Energy Act (EEG). The plan to waive compensation for electricity not fed into the grid remains in place. However, the associated costs are far lower than those cited by the minister.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
Although billions of euros are available, regulatory uncertainty is putting the expansion and further development of energy storage systems at risk. Lars Rohwer, a Christian Democratic Union (CDU) member of the German Bundestag, is calling for a more differentiated energy storage strategy to make the power grid more flexible.
By Lars Rohwer
In a letter to heads of state and government, Ursula von der Leyen outlines the measures the Commission is considering in response to high energy prices. In the letter, she also speaks out against the premature shutdown of nuclear power plants.
By Manuel Berkel and Lukas Knigge
The EU Commission wants more centralized planning of energy networks so as to accelerate their expansion. In the Council, however, the member states are calling for stronger rights to have their say.
By Manuel Berkel
In a new report, the European Court of Auditors criticizes the lack of progress in energy communities. It says the targets are too optimistic, the guidelines unclear and the incentives inadequate.
By Lukas Bayer
Germany’s Vattenfall CEO Zurawski warns of uncertainty for investors in the renewable energy sector due to the planned grid package. In particular, he says, the redispatch reservation is a “sword of Damocles” hanging over investment decisions.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt and Bernhard Pötter
Federal Network Agency President Klaus Müller supports the German Economic Ministry’s plans to adjust grid connection rules for renewables. He does not foresee a new gas crisis, but warns of significantly higher gas prices for businesses.
By Malte Kreutzfeldt
In its draft investment strategy for the energy sector, the Commission describes how the European Investment Bank will mitigate one of the biggest cost drivers of the energy transition. The EU will also provide guarantees for certain nuclear power plants.
By Manuel Berkel
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Federal Network Agency want to change the rules on grid connections and charges. The proposals create considerable uncertainty for investors. The ministry and the agency need to make improvements.
By Maximilian Uibeleisen
