Habeck's State Secretary Graichen Criticizes Federal Government's Energy Policy - Ex-German Energy Chief Slams Fossil Fuel Reliance Amid Climate Crisis
Patrick Graichen, the former German state secretary for energy, has criticised the country's current energy policy. He argues that the government's continued reliance on oil and gas ignores both geopolitical risks and the climate crisis. His comments follow his temporary retirement in May 2023 after a conflict-of-interest dispute.
Graichen claims that economic interests in the fossil fuel industry, far-right influence, and resistance to change have pushed Germany's energy policy off course. He warns that ignoring the climate crisis will not make it vanish and predicts a future return to sustainability measures.
To shift direction, he proposes scrapping the electricity tax and reforming grid fees. He also wants electric cars and heat pumps to become as affordable as gas-powered alternatives. His suggestions mirror policies already in place across Scandinavia. Over the past five years, Scandinavian countries have rapidly increased heat pump and electric vehicle adoption. Sweden cut VAT and offered subsidies of up to 50,000 SEK, pushing sales up by 50%. Norway now has heat pumps in 60% of households, thanks to tax breaks. Denmark's Green Transition plan covers 30–50% of installation costs. Electric vehicles have also surged in the region. Norway's zero VAT, tax exemptions, and free charging helped electric cars reach 90% of new sales. Sweden's bonus-malus system and 70 billion SEK subsidies drove a 40% market share. Finland's purchase grants and free parking expanded its electric fleet to 15% of all vehicles. These policies align with EU renewable targets, grid upgrades, and carbon taxes.
Graichen points to Scandinavia as proof that affordability drives adoption of green technology. His proposals aim to replicate that success in Germany by making electric cars and heat pumps cost-competitive. The debate comes as the country faces pressure to reduce fossil fuel dependence while balancing economic and political challenges.
