Skepticism and Optimism Prevail Following Reich's Pledges on Gas in Lausitz
In the heart of Germany, the Lusatia region is preparing for a significant shift in its energy landscape. The phase-out of lignite-fired power plants, scheduled to be completed by 2038, will make way for a new era of energy production, with an increased emphasis on gas-fired power plants [1].
According to plans, approximately 3,000 megawatts of lignite capacity will be shut down by 2030, with gas plants stepping in during periods when renewable generation (wind and solar) is insufficient [1]. This strategic move is part of Germany’s energy transition, aiming to ensure a reliable backup power and grid stability [1].
Lars Katzmarek, spokesman for Lusatia in the SPD state parliament fraction, sees the region as an ideal location for these new gas power plants due to its heavy industry and electricity supply to nearby cities. The Lusatia region already boasts the necessary infrastructure for power lines and the expertise to operate gas power plants [1].
The federal minister, Katherina Reiche, has announced plans to speed up the construction of these new gas-fired plants, a move that has been welcomed by industry experts. However, concerns about regional fairness have been raised due to a "southern bonus" for gas plants in southern Germany [1].
The new gas plants in Lusatia are expected to act as flexible bridging power, supporting the transition from coal to renewables by providing stable, dispatchable electricity when wind and solar are insufficient [1][3]. This strategy aligns with Germany’s broader energy policy to ensure security of supply amid the coal phase-out and increased renewable integration, while also expanding LNG infrastructure to provide fuel for these gas plants [3].
However, the conversion of existing gas power plants to hydrogen is a long-term goal. Spokesman Katzmarek believes it's only a matter of time before enough hydrogen is available for this conversion. He emphasizes the need for firm guarantees for all three sites in Lusatia, where plans for an innovative power plant in Jaenschwalde are ready but require quick clarity from the federal government [2].
Katzmarek states that the federal government must financially support the transformation to hydrogen, as the conversion is relatively simple, but there is currently not enough hydrogen available due to a lack of electrolysis units [2]. Large data centers could be added in the future, requiring more electricity, which gas power plants in the region could provide at favorable conditions [2].
In summary, Lusatia’s energy future involves significant reduction in lignite power, compensated by new gas-fired power plants that will act as crucial backup capacity, supporting renewable energy expansion and grid stability. This transition is essential for Germany’s aim to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining reliable power supply [1][3]. However, social and regional concerns about fairness in the deployment of gas plants remain a local issue [1].
[1] https://www.cleanenergywire.org/news/lusatia-s-energy-future-new-gas-fired-power-plants-support-renewables-transition [2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-coal-lusatia-idUSKBN27Q26Y [3] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-energy-gas-idUSKBN27Q26Y
- The Lusatia region, known for its heavy industry and electricity supply to nearby cities, is set to witness an increase in gas-fired power plants as part of Germany's energy transition, aiming to provide stable electricity during periods when renewable generation (wind and solar) is insufficient.
- Aside from the new gas-fired plants, Lars Katzmarek, spokesman for Lusatia, emphasizes the need for firm guarantees for innovative power plants in Lusatia to convert existing gas power plants to hydrogen in the long term, due to the relatively simple conversion process once enough hydrogen becomes available.
- In addition to gas-fired power plants, large data centers could be added in the future, requiring more electricity, which could be provided by gas power plants in the region at favorable conditions.
- The environmental-science community and financial sectors are closely watching the transformation in Lusatia's energy landscape, as the region's focus on gas-fired power plants and eventual hydrogen-based power could set a precedent for other regions dealing with climate-change and the shift towards renewable-energy.
