Following the enactment of the Energy Supply Security and Capacity Act (StromVKG), the German state-owned energy and gas group, Uniper, has adjusted its long-term strategy. Michael Lewis, the CEO of the Düsseldorf-based corporation, announced to the “Welt” that Uniper plans to invest approximately five billion euros by 2030, with more than half of that capital directed toward the ‘Flexible Generation’ division.
The StromVKG has established the regulatory framework and subsidy rules necessary for new power plants, enabling Uniper to implement an extensive spending program within its conventional power generation area. According to Lewis, the law makes the German power plant market once again viable for investment-a necessity he stressed was urgent. The company immediately formalized its capital plans after the law was passed in the Bundestag last week.
This strategic shift occurs as Uniper prepares for its upcoming privatization. Under European competition regulations, the federal government is required to reduce its nearly 99% shareholding in the company to about 25% by the end of 2028. Uniper faced insolvency following the cessation of Russian gas deliveries in 2022 and was temporarily nationalized to ensure energy security. The company’s future direction is crucial for prospective investors.
Lewis outlined the strategy for the coming years, explaining that before accelerating the rollout of renewable energy, Uniper will focus on constructing gas power plants to secure the energy transition. Two new gas power plants, totaling 1.7 gigawatts in capacity, are planned for Hanau (Hesse) and Gelsenkirchen (NRW). He argued that the energy transition can only be truly successful if its foundation-stability provided by controllable, weather-independent power plants-is prioritized, as this remains the greatest vulnerability of the transition.
Despite this focus on gas infrastructure, Uniper remains committed to investing in wind, solar, and battery storage systems. However, Lewis confirmed that the existing goal of building renewable energy capacity averaging 500 megawatts annually will continue. He pointed out that the phase-out of coal capacity in Germany is creating a reliable generation gap, a gap Uniper is uniquely positioned to fill.
