Energy Association Criticizes Minister Reiche, Demands Power Grid Acceleration

Germany's energy minister, Katherina Reiche, has publicly stressed the urgent need to accelerate the expansion of the nation's power grids to accommodate renewable energy sources. She noted that the current limitations cost billions annually by forcing the curtailment of wind and solar power while activating gas plants due to overloaded networks. Reiche emphasized that consistent grid expansion is a crucial lever for a successful energy transition.

However, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) has voiced strong criticism, pointing out a disconnect between Reiche's pronouncements and the government's actions. The BDEW, in a position paper, calls for a significant acceleration of grid development, including shortening environmental impact assessments. The association argues that the current pace, where building a 110-kilovolt line takes ten years, is unacceptable for an industrial nation like Germany.

Kerstin Andreae, chairwoman of the BDEW's executive management, stated that power grids are the backbone of the energy transition. She stressed that continued expansion is vital for Germany's industrial standing, especially with the increasing integration of decentralized energy generation and consumption. Andreae urged politicians to act decisively to effectively speed up planning and approval processes.

The BDEW also highlighted that hundreds of gigawatts of storage, renewable energy facilities, industrial projects, and data centers are awaiting grid connections. The association is pushing for the government to utilize the Infrastructure Futures Act, a tool designed to simplify the use of a 500 billion euro infrastructure special fund, which has been stalled in parliament. The BDEW insists the law must be urgently expanded to include the energy industry's needs.