Several environmental and activist organizations, including BUND, Greenpeace, Campact, Fridays for Future, and others, are planning a large demonstration in Hamm on May 30th. The protest targets the plans put forward by Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) concerning the construction of new gas-fired power plants.
According to Verena Graichen, the political director of BUND, Reiche is accused of attempting to stall the expansion of renewable energy sources while funneling billions into climate-damaging gas power infrastructure. Graichen argued that these plans primarily benefit industrial giants like RWE, whose corporate desires are being codified into law. The group stated that they plan to take to the streets collectively to oppose this fossil-fueled policy and instead champion the necessary energy transition.
Contributing to the discussion, Mira Jäger, an energy expert from Greenpeace, pointed out that the Iranian conflict once again underscores the fact that only renewable sources can guarantee freedom from authoritarian regimes. Jäger stressed that resources like sun and wind power are both affordable and environmentally protective, without relying on vulnerable maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. She criticized Minister Reiche for undermining the energy transition by promoting oil and gas heating and directing massive investments toward supplementary gas plant capacity. She urged citizens to end the “gas obsession” and the dependence on fossil fuels.
The demonstration is scheduled to begin at noon on May 30th in Hamm and will proceed toward the Gersteinwerk. Participants have arranged to gather in the shape of a wind turbine in the area in front of the power plant.
