Leading environmental groups, including the BUND (German Association for Nature and Popularity), Greenpeace, Campact, and Fridays for Future, along with other organizations, have called for a large demonstration in Hamm on May 30th. The protest aims to oppose the plans put forward by Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) to rebuild gas power plants.
Verena Graichen, the Political Director of BUND, criticized the minister, stating that Katherina Reiche, who she calls “Lobby Minister” intends to slow down the expansion of renewable energy sources while sinking billions into climate-damaging gas power plants. Graichen added that the primary beneficiaries of these plans are RWE and similar companies, whose interests Reiche is passing into law. She declared that they will mobilize on the streets against this fossil-fuel policy and in favor of the energy transition.
Mira Jäger, an energy expert from Greenpeace, supported this stance, noting that the war in Iran highlights how crucial renewable energy is for ensuring independence from authoritarian regimes. According to Jäger, sources like sunlight and wind are affordable, protect the climate, and do not depend on crucial shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. She strongly criticized the Gas Minister, stating that Reiche is undermining the energy transition by promoting oil and gas heating and directing vast sums into new gas power plants. They demand an end to the obsession with gas and an end to fossil fuel dependency.
The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM on May 30th in Hamm, following a planned route toward the Gersteinwerk power plant. Participants are expected to gather in the shape of a wind turbine in front of the facility.