Accelerated energy transition and decreased reliance on fossil fuels urged by Vattenfall
In the realm of Germany's energy sector, a significant debate is unfolding. Robert Zurawski, CEO of Vattenfall Germany, and Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, find themselves at odds over the federal government's energy policies.
Minister Reiche, a member of Chancellor Merz's cabinet since May 2025, commissioned a comprehensive monitoring report on the energy transition. Her aim is to make the energy system more efficient and affordable while maintaining renewable expansion targets. She advocates for a cost-effective transition, proposing to review subsidies and implement key legislative measures based on scientific assessments.
However, Zurawski, a vocal critic, has expressed concern about the federal government's approach. He is particularly troubled by the apparent lack of reduction in electricity prices for consumers, despite the government's announced plan to lower prices by five cents through significant reductions in the electricity tax. Zurawski voices his opposition to the industrial electricity price, considering it a mistake, and criticises the planned changes to the electricity tax, expressing disappointment that the reduction in electricity prices for consumers is not being implemented while industry is being relieved.
Zurawski's stance emphasises the importance of equitable treatment in energy policy, with a focus on renewable energy and a lower electricity tax for all consumers. He supports the use of heat pumps for household heating systems, maintaining that a heat pump is already profitable for most households.
Vattenfall, a key player in the renewable energy sector in Germany, shares Zurawski's concerns. As a company focused on the energy transition and renewable energy, Vattenfall operates its own wind turbines in Germany and supplies several million people with electricity. Having exited the fossil sector, Vattenfall's history in Germany includes coal-fired power plants.
Robert Zurawski also warns against a potential slowdown in the energy transition and emphasises the importance of continuing grid expansion and increasing renewable energy. He advocates for a faster energy transition, stating that Europe's competitiveness depends on leaving fossil fuels behind.
Moreover, Zurawski expresses concern about potential communication confusion regarding the abolishment of regulations by the federal government for heating modernization. This concern extends to the federal government's communication on the heat transition, suggesting dissatisfaction with their approach.
As the debate continues, it is clear that both Zurawski and Vattenfall are closely monitoring the changes in the heating modernization regulations and the federal government's approach to the energy transition. Their concerns underscore the need for clarity and equitable policies in Germany's energy sector.
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