Proposal for a directive on safeguarding workers from ionizing radiation risks is being requested from the Commission.
In a visit to the East German coal region of Lusatia, Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche addressed concerns about the prioritization of southern Germany for the construction of new gas-fired power plants.
Reiche refuted fears of systematic disadvantage for Eastern Germany, stating that Lusatia will not be sidelined in the nationwide energy supply solution. She highlighted the region's strategic advantages, including its existing hydrogen infrastructure, high demand from large consumers, and the presence of the LEAG energy company undergoing transformation.
The federal government's plan to prioritize up to 20 GW of new gas power plants by 2030, mainly in southern Germany, has drawn criticism from East German representatives. They argue that such a "southern bonus" would jeopardize fair structural transformation in coal regions like Lusatia.
However, Reiche assured that eastern Germany, including Lusatia, will be involved in the construction of these power plants. She emphasized that power plants are needed everywhere in Germany, not just in southern Germany.
LEAG, an energy company based in Lusatia, is actively planning H2-ready gas-fired power plants around 2,000 megawatts each at sites including Schwarze Pumpe in Lusatia, Lippendorf in Saxony, and Leipheim in Bavaria. Local trade unions and officials in Lusatia are demanding clear regulatory frameworks and fair tendering processes to secure investments and avoid a regional disadvantage.
Reiche mentioned that they are "very, very far" in their talks with the EU Commission to obtain more power plant capacity. She also indicated ongoing positive discussions at the European Commission level, with plans for multiple upcoming bidding rounds to fairly allocate capacity development nationwide.
The construction of new gas power plants is intended to step in when electricity demand cannot be covered by renewable energies, such as during so-called dark doldrums, according to the coalition agreement of CDU, CSU, and SPD. The hydrogen grid in Lusatia is not far away, according to Reiche, making the region an ideal candidate for the construction of new power plants.
In summary, while the official plan currently prioritizes the south, active political and industry efforts are in place to ensure Lusatia and Eastern Germany are not neglected in constructing new gas-fired power plants. The construction of these power plants is expected to benefit the region, with LEAG and local stakeholders preparing for new gas plant projects. Reiche feels committed to the east and has ensured that funds are available for the region, as stated in the current paragraph.
Industry and finance play significant roles in Lusatia's future, as indicated by the presence of the LEAG energy company undergoing transformation and Reiche's assurance of available funds for the region. The strategic advantages of Lusatia, including its existing hydrogen infrastructure and high demand from large consumers, make it an ideal candidate for the construction of new energy projects, such as gas-fired power plants.
