Federal Government Seeks Arguments for Gas Power Plants

The federal government plans to construct new gas power plants to secure electricity supply during periods of low wind and solar energy. Katherina Reiche, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has reportedly asked the energy company EnBW for arguments in favor of using these power plants, according to a report by "Spiegel". This request was documented in a text message that included proposals from Holger Schäfer, EnBW's chief lobbyist, to a department head in the ministry. The message from EnBW was created "at the request" of the ministry. A spokesperson for the ministry did not comment on the details of the request in Berlin, emphasizing that it is common to receive proposals from associations and other stakeholders during legislative processes.

The power plant strategy that the ministry is working on aims to ensure that energy supply is guaranteed even when renewable generation is insufficient. The proposals from EnBW specifically oppose the use of battery storage, which is being discussed as an alternative solution for stabilizing the power supply. Critics, including the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), accuse Reiche of maintaining too close a relationship with the fossil energy industry. BUND described Reiche's policies as "increasingly brazen" and criticized the preference for gas power plants over more climate-friendly storage solutions. In a faction meeting of the Union, Union faction leader Jens Spahn defended Katherina Reiche after a dispute with SPD Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil.

Spahn emphasized that energy policy must consider both the expansion of renewable energies and the affordability of energy supply. He praised Reiche for her work and made it clear that the faction's support for her views is strong. "Spiegel" also reported that EnBW had not registered the text with the proposals in the lobby register, which violates the regulations of the Lobby Register Act. It was only after an inquiry from the magazine that the document was uploaded to the lobby register. A spokesperson for the ministry pointed out that the responsibility for compliance with the regulations lies solely with the interest representatives.

The discussion about gas power plants and their role in future energy supply is part of a broader debate about the energy transition in Germany. While the federal government is pushing for the expansion of renewable energies, the question of how to secure energy supply during periods of low generation from wind and solar remains a central issue. The power plant strategy is intended to help address these challenges. The criticism of Katherina Reiche's closeness to the fossil energy industry is not new. Environmental organizations and political opponents are calling for a clear departure from fossil fuels and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions.

The debate over the role of gas power plants is expected to intensify in the coming months, especially in light of the upcoming elections. The federal government has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The role of gas power plants in this context remains controversial, as they are viewed as a transitional technology that can also contribute to increased emissions. The discussion about energy supply is further complicated by geopolitical developments and dependence on fossil fuels. The next steps in the power plant strategy are expected to be presented in the coming weeks.

It is anticipated that the federal government will also address the criticism from environmental organizations. The public debate on energy policy will be shaped by the differing interests of environmental and business representatives. The federal government plans to present the results of the power plant strategy by June 30, 2026. This could be crucial for the future direction of German energy policy.