A leading European energy provider is cautioning against a slowdown in the energy transition and stressing the necessity of decisively shifting away from fossil fuels. Robert Zurawski, Head of Vattenfall Germany, stated in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung that Europe’s competitiveness hinges on abandoning fossil energy sources, not the other way around.
While acknowledging the need to review the costs associated with the energy transition, as recently indicated by Germany’s new Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche, Zurawski emphasized that progress must not be compromised. He asserted that the shift to renewable energy is now irreversible, requiring continued investment in grid infrastructure alongside accelerated deployment of renewable sources.
Initial plans by the German government to reduce electricity prices for consumers by five cents through a significant reduction in electricity tax are now reportedly being reconsidered, despite intended support for the industrial sector. Zurawski expressed disappointment regarding this potential change, stating that a reduction in electricity tax applicable to all consumers would have been preferable. He further described the implementation of a discounted electricity price for industry as a “mistake.
The uncertainty surrounding impending changes to heating regulations is causing concern among households contemplating new heating systems. The government intends to repeal previous regulations enacted by the former coalition government, raising fears of renewed confusion regarding the legal framework. Zurawski cautioned against communicative hurdles arising from unclear legislative changes, highlighting that heat pumps are already economically viable for many households.
Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company with a global presence, operates nuclear power plants in other locations, but not in Germany. In Germany, the company supplies electricity to several million customers, offers heat pump installation services and operates its own wind farms. Historically reliant on fossil fuels, including coal, Vattenfall has completely transitioned away from those resources.
