The Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, is calling for greater clarity regarding Germany’s future electricity needs and cautioning against delays in ongoing grid expansion projects.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Schwesig emphasized the importance of a comprehensive energy plan. “We need to know precisely what quantities of electricity will be required, when and where, in the coming years and how it will reach those locations” she stated. This level of detail is crucial for more effectively managing the expansion of renewable energy sources.
Schwesig’s government supports the Bundesregierung’s initiative to conduct a thorough examination of the energy transition. However, she stressed the need to avoid project setbacks. “It is vital that this review does not necessitate restarting planning processes” she added. A key priority for the region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is facilitating energy consumption locally at favorable rates, enabling usage as close as possible to generation points.
The discussion around the potential reinstatement of overhead power lines in the construction of major transmission networks was addressed, with Schwesig acknowledging that grid expansion had previously faced delays, particularly from southern German states, due to a preference for underground cabling.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katheine Reiche, is scheduled to present a monitoring report on the energy transition by the end of August. This report aims to provide insights into electricity demand and the progress of grid development.
