He explained that such situations are predictable and grid operators have a range of tools at their disposal, though these actions wouldn’t be considered pleasant Müller detailed a scenario where pre-defined groups of consumers would receive advance warning of temporary power outages lasting around 90 minutes This could necessitate hospitals switching to emergency power and potentially rescheduling surgeries, supermarkets temporarily closing and industrial facilities pausing production lines
Müller stressed that such measures are not limited to low-generation periods, but could also be required during times of exceptionally high wind and solar production He underscored the importance of rapidly building new power generation capacity to address these fluctuations This aligns with a recent report from the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), which warned that Germany could face a shortfall of up to 224 gigawatts of controllable capacity – such as new gas-fired power plants – by 2035, even if renewable energy expansion targets are met and no further power plants are decommissioned A delayed energy transition could increase this shortfall to 355 gigawatts
While Müller believes the situation is manageable for the coming and subsequent winters, he anticipates “turbulent” conditions and very high electricity prices He expressed doubt about the feasibility of phasing out coal entirely as planned Currently, the Federal Network Agency has not had to invoke measures to prevent coal-fired power plants from shutting down, as sufficient facilities have already left the market to meet the 2028 targets
Müller dismissed the construction of new nuclear power plants as a viable solution, citing the lengthy approval and construction timelines – estimated at 15 years each – as impractical given the pressing challenges
He also suggested that the public debate surrounding the monitoring of economic affairs minister, Katherina Reiche, is overly emotional and characterized suggestions of antagonism toward economics minister Robert Habeck as unfounded
