Nina Scheer, the energy policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, cautioned against the proposed refinery strategy, warning that it could prolong dependence on fossil fuels. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition), Scheer asserted that a refinery strategy must not lead to entrenched reliance on fossil resources or their market players, arguing that this would unfairly benefit the economic interests of the fossil fuel industry.
Instead, Scheer stressed that for the sake of German and European resilience, the federal government should prioritize a strategic focus on developers and technological actors who are creating sustainable, regenerative technologies and substitution processes. The SPD energy politician further criticized the current methane strategy, stating that its shift runs counter to the concept of resilience and conflicts with the direction defined by the current government.
Separately, CDU Economics Minister Katherina Reiche initiated the process this Friday to develop the aforementioned refinery strategy, which aims to ensure the long-term security of the eleven refineries currently operating in Germany.
