Germany's Solar Industry in Crisis as Subsidies Face Cuts
Germany's solar energy expansion has plummeted, with installations dropping from 8,000 megawatts to under 2,000. This decline has led to bankruptcies and job losses. The Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP) is now pushing back against the new Minister of Economy, Katharina Reiche's (CSU) policies on solar panel subsidies.
The ÖDP has drawn parallels between Reiche's current policies and those of her predecessor, Peter Altmaier. Einsiedler, an ÖDP federal board member, points out that Altmaier's cuts in solar energy subsidies caused Germany to lose its global market leading position to China. The ÖDP refers to this as the 'Altmaier bend', which they believe is repeating under Reiche's leadership.
Reiche is considering a phase-out of private solar panel subsidies, a move that the ÖDP sees as a threat to the German solar industry. Federal chairman Günther Brendle-Behnisch warns of the economic consequences, stating that the industry could face further decline and job losses. Einsiedler, meanwhile, criticizes Reiche's support for certain industries over future ones, arguing that this could hinder Germany's transition to renewable energy.
The ÖDP is calling for resistance against Reiche's solar policy, warning of its potential impact on the German solar industry and economy. As the minister considers phasing out subsidies, the party urges a re-evaluation of these plans to prevent further job losses and maintain Germany's competitiveness in the global solar market.
