Let's Embrace Energy Synergy: Reiche and Ferracci Push for International Collaboration
International Energy Minister Reiche Advocates for Global Energy Infrastructure Development - Economic Minister Advocates for Global Energy Infrastructure Development
"Instead of focusing on the divide, let's explore the openings," said Reiche, referencing the age-old disagreements between Germany and France regarding nuclear power. "We need to embrace all technological solutions," she emphasized.
Both nations are determined to achieve climate neutrality. Given their diverse energy systems, it's crucial to "acknowledge each other's approach," Reiche emphasized. They also share a common interest in affordable energy prices. "Without viable energy, there's no resilience and no social stability," Reiche stated, speaking before the binational committee, a group of 100 members.
"We boast numerous paths and methodologies to make progress," said French Minister for Industry and Energy, Ferracci. He referred to a trilateral working group aimed at creating proposals for cross-border energy infrastructure. The group consists of representatives from Germany, France, and Poland.
A German-French working group for the anticipated hydrogen pipeline from Spain has already commenced its tasks, according to Ferracci. The next German-French ministerial council is scheduled for the end of August, with preparations underway.
Meanwhile, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) called for expanding the impact of the German-French Parliamentary Assembly on the national parliaments. In recent years, the decisions of the binational group of parliamentarians "have regrettably only had limited impact," Klöckner said. "Here, we could still create a stronger ripple effect," she stated, expressing optimism for a renewed dynamic in Europe.
Germany and France must strengthen and deepen their partnership, according to the CDU politician. "We must also reflect on shattered trust," she said.
CDU member Andreas Jung and French member Brigitte Klinkert, who is part of the ruling party, were elected as co-chairs.
The German-French Parliamentary Assembly has been in existence since 2019 and was founded by the then President of the Bundestag, Wolfgang Schäuble (CDU), and the then President of the National Assembly, Richard Ferrand.
- Would Reiche Support Nuclear Energy if it were Recognized Equally with Renewables in EU Legislation? Reiche has displayed a willingness to consider new approaches to energy policy, such as dropping Germany's opposition to equal recognition for nuclear energy in EU legislation. This move is intended to balance Germany's energy transition goals with France's nuclear strategy.
- Pan-European Hydrogen Ambitions The trilateral working group's aim to develop proposals for cross-border energy infrastructure indicates a broader European vision encompassing hydrogen infrastructure projects, such as a potential hydrogen pipeline from Spain. This aligns with efforts to create European hydrogen alliances and substantiate a European hydrogen economy, with Spain as a potential renewable hydrogen supplier.
- Necessary Steps Towards Energy Security and Decarbonization The cooperation between Germany and France on energy infrastructure projects represents an important part of EU strategies to connect hydrogen supply and demand across regions, thus improving energy security and decarbonization. This synergy could pave the way for a trans-European hydrogen network.
"Reiche might support nuclear energy if it were given equal recognition with renewables in EU legislation, as a means to balance Germany's energy transition goals with France's nuclear strategy."
"The trilateral working group's aim to develop proposals for cross-border energy infrastructure aligns with broader European visions, such as hydrogen infrastructure projects and the establishment of a European hydrogen economy, with Spain as a potential renewable hydrogen supplier."
