EnBW, an energy supplier in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, is urging the federal government to prioritize the development of backup power plants in the face of recurring power outages. “We have exited nuclear and coal power, and older power plants are left behind” said Thomas Kusterer, EnBW’s finance director, in an interview with ntv on Thursday. “These will not get younger, and their efficiency and availability will decrease.”
Last week and in early November, the output of solar and wind power in Germany almost completely ceased, and the wholesale electricity market saw prices surge to over 900 euros per megawatt-hour. “This was just for one hour, and a blackout was not imminent, but it shows that the system is operating at its limits” warned Kusterer.
In this context, Kusterer criticized the current political focus on the expansion of renewable energy sources. “The goal is correct, and it is achievable to generate 80% of our energy from renewables by 2030” he said. “However, we need to discuss the most sensible way to get there.” Kusterer emphasized that the security of supply and affordability had been neglected in recent years. “If we do not implement the energy system transformation in a cost-effective manner, we will lose public acceptance” he said. “But without fundamental societal acceptance, we will not be successful.”
EnBW’s demand is clear: “It’s now really time to build hydrogen-capable gas power plants, rather than forcing the maximum expansion of renewable energy” said Kusterer, looking ahead to future power outages. “We at EnBW had all available power plants online last week, and we also imported electricity from abroad. The market did exactly what it was supposed to do. But the last reserve power plants that were used were inefficient and expensive.