Dietmar Woidke, Brandenburg's Minister President and an SPD member, has implored the federal government to swiftly propose a strategy for the future energy supply. He also expressed doubts about the feasibility of an early coal phase-out in eastern Germany by 2030.
"It's high time the federal government presented a blueprint for our future energy," Woidke told Handelsblatt (Sunday). "Let's not mince words; it's inexcusable that we're discussing climate neutrality while we need to reactivate shuttered coal-fired units at Jänschwalde to maintain power supply in my region."
Woidke underscored the importance of a practical energy strategy, adding, "If the Economy Minister fails to deliver, then a task force is more than welcome to step in, as proposed by my Saxony counterpart Michael Kretschmer."
The Brandenburg leader admitted he'd never considered a 2030 coal phase-out to be realistic but stressed that the debate should continue. "We must grapple with the issue: How will we meet our electricity needs in the coming decade, and what price will we pay? These questions need to be answered promptly."
In the context of migration policy, Woidke criticized the Greens, stating, "Harping on what can't be done won't get us anywhere. The Greens should take a more proactive role now."
The federal-state meeting last week resulted in an adjustment in the system for financing refugee costs and stricter deportation rules. Green Party leader Ricarda Lang recently decried a "competition to outdo each other" when it comes to migrant policies.
Given the urgency of transitioning to a climate-neutral energy future, the federal government must prioritize presenting a comprehensive plan for electricity supply, as suggested by Woidke.
In the domain of migration policy, Woidke called upon the Greens to contribute constructively to the discourse, acknowledging that mere criticism falls short of prompting real progress.
Enrichment Data:
- Expansion of renewable energy sources, focusing on solar, wind, and transportation sectors.
- Improved grid stability and integration through hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plants and BESS systems.
- Enhanced energy storage and flexibility through incentives and subsidies for BESS operators.
- Delayed coal phase-out from 2038 due to economic unviability, with reforms to the Energy Industry Act and auctions for gas power plants.
These elements aim to facilitate climate neutrality, grid stability, and the transition away from coal-fired power plants, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future for Germany.
