Construction of new gas power plants in Germany continues to be delayed. Even two months after a basic agreement with the EU Commission, the federal Ministry of Economy-headed by Katherina Reiche of the CDU-has still not submitted a draft of its power‑plant strategy to Brussels, the Spiegel reports citing the Commission.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the tendering for new plants might only take place in the summer. In order for that to happen, the Commission must review and approve the relevant subsidy‑law compliance provisions. Nevertheless, the necessary coordination between federal ministries has not yet begun, especially between the Economy Ministry and the department led by Environment Minister Carsten Schneider of the SPD. Insider sources say there are also no draft amendments to the Renewable Energy Act or the so‑called Grid Package yet. Both pieces of legislation play key roles in Germany’s energy transition, with the Economy Ministry also taking the lead on them.
New gas power plants must be connected to the grid no later than 2031. Failing this, the planned shutdown of coal plants and the growing share of wind and solar power could create supply gaps during dark or calm periods.
