Hendrik Wüst, the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, expressed satisfaction with the cabinet’s decision regarding the power plant strategy. According to Wüst, the newly agreed-upon Electricity Supply Security and Capacity Act represents a significant step toward ensuring both reliable power supply and maintaining North Rhine-Westphalia’s competitiveness.
He emphasized that for an industrial nation like NRW, establishing timely, guaranteed new power capacity is crucial. This capacity must provide reliable support to the grid, particularly during periods of low wind and solar output. Wüst welcomed the plan detailing that the first rounds of tenders are scheduled to begin in 2026, noting that the requirements are structured to actively build robust backup capabilities.
The power plant strategy aims to advance the construction of new gas-fired power stations, which are intended to supplement and secure the overall electricity supply alongside increasing wind and solar generation. Wüst stressed the necessity of having additional controllable power sources to reliably underpin industrial production, economic prosperity, and job security for the future.
However, the Minister-President also pointed out the immediate procedural challenges. He stated that the success of the strategy now depends on a fast parliamentary process, prompt implementation, and definitive clarity regarding subsidy regulations. To attract necessary private capital, investors require stability and planning certainty to quickly initiate the vital power plant investments.
Concluding his remarks, Wüst declared that there is no time for delay in building this guaranteed capacity. He pledged that his state government would ensure swift planning and approval procedures to keep the necessary projects moving forward.
