KIEL (dpa-AFX) - In the ongoing debate over a realignment of energy policy, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU) is facing pushback from her coalition partner, the SPD. Reiche has drawn the wrong political conclusions from the monitoring report on the energy transition, criticized Serpil Midyatli, deputy federal chair of the SPD.
Her ten-point plan sends a disastrous signal to slow down the further expansion of renewable energies. "This cannot be in Schleswig-Holstein's interest. Taking a step backwards in the energy transition would be detrimental to our state," said Midyatli, who also heads the SPD state association and the SPD parliamentary group in Schleswig-Holstein.
The expansion of renewable energies has brought prosperity to Schleswig-Holstein, created numerous highly qualified jobs, and led to the establishment of many high-tech companies, Midyatli emphasized. "With her statements, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs is jeopardizing these achievements and unsettling the entire sector."
Based on the monitoring report, Reiche proposed ten "key measures." While renewable energies are to continue receiving support, the existing fixed feed-in tariff for new installations is to be scrapped. Subsidies should be systematically reduced.
Midyatli Calls for Clear Commitment from State Government
In Midyatli's view, what is needed instead is a clear commitment to the expansion of renewable energies, and expansion targets must continue to be vigorously pursued. "The share of gas in electricity production must be kept as low as possible--not just for environmental reasons, but also from a cost perspective. Electricity from renewable energy installations is unbeatable in terms of price."
Midyatli is calling on the black-green state government under Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) to take a clear stance. "The Minister-President must resolutely enforce Schleswig-Holstein's interests against the will of his CDU party colleague," demanded the opposition leader. Her parliamentary group has requested an urgent debate on the issue at the next session of the state parliament.
Criticism Also from IG Metall
IG Metall Küste has also criticized Reiche's plans. A survey shows that the wind industry in Germany is already facing major challenges, said district leader Daniel Friedrich. "The mood is already subdued. Minister Reiche's plans give cause for grave concern. With her plans, the Minister has done a disservice to the expansion of renewables and the industry in Germany." The sector needs planning security and clarity, but the Ministry's approach is further unsettling investors and companies.
"The wind industry is central to the energy transition and industrial value creation in Germany," Friedrich continued. The government should not focus solely on costs, but must also prioritize the safeguarding and expansion of jobs and value creation. "The fact remains: whoever saves money on expanding renewables today will pay double or triple for expensive electricity later."
From the perspective of the FDP parliamentary group, however, the ten-point plan is a step in the right direction. "It is obvious that there is a significant need for corrections in terms of cost efficiency and medium-term supply security in the energy transition," said group leader Christopher Vogt./moe/DP/men
