Decreasing Financial Aid for Energy: Wealthy Individuals' Pathway to Lower Energy Expenses
The Federal Minister of Economics, Katharina Reiche, has published a long-awaited report on the energy transition monitoring, with a focus on increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The report, carried out externally by the scientific institutes BET and EWI, is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy.
Katharina Reiche, in her statement, acknowledged that the energy transition is at a crossroads. She emphasised the need for a strategic approach, advocating for more embedding in the European and international context, rather than a German pioneer role in renewable energies.
The report lists ten key measures, including promoting renewable energies in a market and system-compatible manner, expanding decentralized flexibility, and expanding uniform and liquid energy markets. It also calls for more market and technological openness to achieve sustainably affordable energy.
However, not all stakeholders are in agreement. Sascha Müller-Kraenner, Federal Managing Director of the German Environmental Aid (DUH), criticizes the Minister's emphasis on "planning realism" as a potential brake on the expansion of renewables. He argues that the previous expansion of solar and wind energy has gone beyond the real need, according to the report.
On the other hand, Dr. Simone Peter, President of the Federal Association of Renewable Energy e.V. (BEE), has expressed predominantly approval of the Energy Transition Monitoring. She recognises a clear commitment of the Minister to the climate goals and concludes that the renewable energy sector is ready to enter the discourse.
The report also contains a clear yes to hydrogen. However, Katharina Reiche wants to distance herself from the strict definition of "green hydrogen" at EU level and treat carbon-lean hydrogen equally. This stance has raised concerns from some quarters, with the BEE expressing concern about the potential dilution of the term "green hydrogen."
All support measures and subsidies should be reviewed for their economic benefit and reduced to the absolutely necessary level, according to the report. This recommendation has been met with some scepticism, with the BEE welcoming the Minister's emphasis on the need for compatibility and standardization in network expansion.
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In conclusion, the Energy Transition Monitoring report presents a strategic approach to the energy transition, focusing on efficiency, cost reduction, and a more embedded role in the European and international context. While not without controversy, it represents a significant step forward in Germany's pursuit of its climate goals.
