BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche has signaled a willingness to compromise on her controversial plans for energy transition reform. Speaking in reference to a proposed 'grid package', the CDU politician stated she was open to suggestions. However, she emphasized that the expansion of renewable energy requires spatial steering and a clear signal that development cannot proceed without risk. Reiche called for an energy consensus, noting that climate protection, security of supply, and affordability 'are mutually dependent', during a speech at the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) congress in Berlin.

Reiche warned that the cabinet must launch the reform of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and the grid package before the summer recess. The European Commission's current state aid approval for the EEG is valid until the end of 2026. According to the BDEW, if no new regulations are in force by then, new plants could technically be commissioned under the law but would not yet receive subsidies. Reiche stated that the government does not want to risk such a disruption.

Grid package plans

The Minister reaffirmed the need to better align the expansion of wind and solar plants with the lagging development of the power grid. The goal is to avoid costly 'curtailments' of energy plants. Particularly controversial is the 'redispatch reservation' sought by Reiche: currently, if the power grids are at risk of overloading, the output of wind and solar plants must be throttled or shut down entirely. These interventions, known as redispatching, are expensive because operators are entitled to compensation.

Reiche now plans to allow the construction of new wind turbines or solar plants in congested grid areas only if they waive compensation for curtailment for a period of ten years. This proposal has met with widespread protest.

Reiche said she remains open to alternative proposals. she mentioned a mechanism where plant operators receive grid access but accept uncompensated curtailments up to a defined upper limit. The shutdown of plants with guaranteed compensation must not be a foregone conclusion./hoe/DP/men