Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister sharply criticizes the federal government's energy policy
Quick Look
- Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther criticized the federal government's energy plans in a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- He warns of a loss of speed in the energy transition, calls for the accelerated expansion of renewable energies and criticizes the planned abolition of the feed-in tariff for private solar systems.
- Günther emphasizes the need to involve citizens in the energy transition and warns of a new fossil price crisis in the face of geopolitical tensions such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The article describes a conflict within the CDU between the economically liberal wing, which criticizes the rapid expansion of wind and solar systems, and Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther, who calls for an accelerated expansion of renewable energies in order to reduce energy price risks and strengthen citizen participation.
Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther has sharply criticized the energy policy of Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU). He is "extremely concerned" that the plans to amend the EEG and the so-called network package will "damage the potential of the Federal Republic and my state," says a three-page letter from the CDU politician to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which was available to NDR.
Günther calls for the expansion of renewable energies
Günther warns the Chancellor that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shows that Germany must reduce the risk of another “fossil price crisis” as quickly as possible. “The only way to do this is to accelerate the expansion of renewable energies.”
That's why he is "extremely irritated" about the plan to completely eliminate the feed-in tariff for private solar systems on roofs, writes Günther. He seriously wonders whether the political benefits and harm are still proportionate in the comparatively small segment of photovoltaic systems on roofs. "We need low-threshold opportunities for citizens to be part of the energy transition themselves."
“Involve citizens in the energy transition”
Günther reminds the Chancellor of the citizens' necessary acceptance of reforms. Citizens must continue to be successfully involved in the energy transition. The tender volumes for new onshore wind turbines are also far too low. The federal government is responsible for ensuring that the areas provided by the states can also be used for wind turbines.
In general, Günther warns of a slowdown in the energy transition. The background is a conflict with the conservative, economically liberal wing of the CDU, for whom the expansion of wind and solar systems is moving too quickly. Günther is demanding quick course corrections from the Chancellor and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The federal government will not completely abolish the feed-in tariff for private solar systems, but will maintain reduced funding.
Likely · Within months
The tender volumes for onshore wind turbines will be increased in the next few months to accelerate expansion.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How will the federal government react to Günther's criticism?
- What specific measures is the CDU/CSU parliamentary group planning to correct course?
- How high are the current tender volumes for onshore wind turbines compared to Günther's demands?
