The German Environment Agency (UBA) has voiced sharp criticism of plans by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche, to commission new gas-fired power plants. UBA President Dirk Messner, in statements to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” warned against creating an imbalance by overbuilding gas capacity while simultaneously hindering investments in grid infrastructure and energy storage. He cautioned that such a course of action could lead to a ‘re-carbonization’ of the energy system.
The comments follow Minister Reiche’s announcement of plans to tender for new gas-fired power plants with a capacity of 5 to 10 gigawatts by the end of the year, a process that currently does not mandate the plants’ adaptability to green hydrogen. Messner emphasized the need for gas as a backup source when solar and wind power generation and storage are insufficient. However, he stressed the importance of avoiding a reversal of progress and cautioned against building new fossil fuel energy infrastructure that cannot be converted to green hydrogen.
He underscored that the ability to adapt to green hydrogen should be a mandatory condition for any new power plant tenders and insisted on prioritizing continued expansion of both grid infrastructure and energy storage capabilities.
Messner expressed concern over the limited discussion surrounding the transition to hydrogen and the necessary supporting infrastructure. He also called for increased investment in storage capacity, stating a desire for data and concrete figures regarding progress in this area.