Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) is pushing his coalition partners to increase their support for expanding renewable energy sources. Speaking to the “Spiegel”, he stated that the federal government must align all pending energy laws to ensure Germany’s energy supply is resilient and equipped for crises.
Schneider emphasized the global urgency, asserting that the world is currently facing what he calls “the greatest energy crisis ever”. He warned that since such a crisis could happen again at any time, Germany must acquire these “safety energies”. The social democrat specifically referenced the situation with Iran, noting that the country has now learned how to weaponize the Strait of Hormuz for the gain of the global economy. Consequently, he urged for a much stronger focus on electricity generated by wind and solar power, alongside the promotion of electric vehicles and heat pumps.
However, Schneider appeared concerned that his coalition partners may hold differing views. Critics have voiced concerns regarding the plans put forward by his fellow CDU minister, Katherina Reiche, who has proposed a series of energy law drafts as economic minister. These critics suggest that her proposals could inadvertently make the expansion of renewable energy sources both more costly and slower.