Cease coal power: Halt Catherine Reiche's operations! - Threatening energy investments: halt Katherina Reiche's gas power plants!
In the heart of Europe, Germany, under the leadership of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katharina Reiche, is facing a contentious debate over the proposed investment in new gas-fired power plants. The plan, aiming for up to 20 gigawatts of gas capacity by 2030, is intended as a backup for energy security during periods of low renewable output. However, the transition to these fossil fuel sources is not without controversy.
Reiche's plan is encountering resistance, even from within her own party. The "Climate Union," a group within the CDU and CSU advocating for climate protection, openly opposes the minister's stance. Critics argue that gas plants, especially with state support, could drive up electricity prices and delay innovation in long-term storage and renewable backup technologies such as battery storage, biomass, and hydrogen plants.
The high cost of gas power plants and their infrequent use make them a financially burdensome choice compared to other renewable energy sources. Experts warn that investing heavily in gas risks locking in expensive fossil infrastructure, increases fossil fuel dependency, and undermines climate goals compared to aggressively expanding renewables.
Germany intends to accompany the gas plant build-out with measures to reduce electricity prices, such as cutting electricity taxes and grid fees. However, these subsidies and price relief measures face criticism for insufficient climate ambition and potential long-term costs.
Norway, a country rich in renewable hydropower and green hydrogen, serves as a potential role model for Germany in terms of energy affordability and sustainability. The average electricity price for private households in Norway is around 19 cents, significantly lower than Germany's 35 cents.
The International Renewable Energy Agency states that Germany saved over 14 billion euros in 2024 due to its renewables, as it imported fewer fossil fuels. On the contrary, the technology for these gas power plants requires expensive fuels and billions in subsidies due to their infrequent use.
The direction of Germany's energy supply will have a significant impact on its economic and financial strength in the coming decades. As the transition to renewable energy sources results in significant cost savings, according to serious studies, it is crucial for Germany to reconsider its strategy and invest more aggressively in renewables and storage solutions.
In light of these analyses, it is suggested that Katharina Reiche, the Federal Minister of Economics, should perhaps reconsider her strategy of promoting gas power plants to avoid imposing further costs on future generations. Secure coverage can be achieved more affordably with climate-friendly battery storage, pumped storage power plants, biomass, and hydrogen power plants, according to a study.
The acceptance of green energy among the population is decreasing, with supporters and opponents now evenly matched in polls. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, it is essential for Germany to maintain its commitment to renewable energy and climate protection, rather than retreating after years of pushing the energy transition.
References:
- Reiche's Plan for Gas Power Plants Faces Resistance
- High Cost of Gas Power Plants Compared to Renewables
- Critics Question Gas Power Plant Investment
- Germany Plans Subsidies and Price Relief Measures
- Experts Warn of Risks in Investing Heavily in Gas
- Norway's Energy Strategy: A Potential Role Model for Germany
- Germany Saves Billions Due to Renewables
- Operators of Gas Power Plants to be Compensated for Standby
- Study Suggests Gas Power Plants are Too Expensive and Inflexible
- Rolf-Herbert Peters' Observations on Norway's Impact of Global Warming
- The debate over Germany's energy policy under Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katharina Reiche, involves discussions about the proposed investment in new gas-fired power plants, which is a political issue falling under the category of general-news.
- Critics argue that the high cost of gas power plants, their infrequent use, and the potential need for additional subsidies could drive up electricity prices and delay innovation in renewable backup technologies, such as battery storage, biomass, and hydrogen plants, thereby impacting the nation's energy policy.
