Shaping a Fair Energy Transition

Energy ministers from across Germany convened in Rostock-Warnemünde to discuss the future of the energy transition. The meeting focused on expanding renewable energy in a socially just way and enhancing public acceptance.

Key proposals included involving citizens in energy profits and reducing electricity prices. The federal government aims to lower electricity taxes and introduce an industrial electricity price to boost the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries, though this may clash with EU regulations.

Business leaders called for greater planning security and state participation in grid expansion to save time and reduce costs. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's energy minister, Wolfgang Blank, emphasized the importance of benefiting local communities and businesses.

The conference also saw Germany relaxing its stance on nuclear energy within the EU, signaling openness to research EU-funded small modular reactors while continuing to support wind and solar energy. This shift aligns with a renewed Franco-German energy cooperation focused on climate neutrality and competitiveness.