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In a move aimed at addressing energy security during periods of low renewable energy production, the federal government has announced plans to prioritize the construction of new gas power plants, particularly in southern Germany. However, this decision has sparked criticism in the East German region of Saxony, with concerns that the focus on southern Germany could disadvantage regions like Lusatia.
The federal government, as per the coalition agreement of CDU, CSU, and SPD, intends to build up to 20 gigawatts of gas-fired capacity by 2030. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche, has acknowledged these regional concerns and assured that eastern Germany, including Lusatia, will not be left behind.
Reiche emphasized the importance of developing gas power plants nationwide and highlighted Lusatia's strong potential due to its existing energy infrastructure, proximity to hydrogen facilities, and the presence of the energy company Leag, which is transitioning from lignite to other energy forms. Reiche also mentioned that discussions with the European Commission are advancing, with anticipation of multiple bidding rounds and sufficient funding for eastern regions.
Local stakeholders in Lusatia, including the Leag works council and Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Panter, are calling for fair and balanced energy policies that account for existing infrastructure, technical expertise, and the specific transformation challenges in coal regions. They argue that Lusatia must share in the security-of-supply solutions and benefits of new gas power plants rather than being sidelined in favor of southern Germany.
Despite these concerns, Reiche has dismissed the idea that East Germany could be systematically disadvantaged in the construction of new gas power plants. Reiche, who was part of the coal commission, ensured that funds were available for the east and feels committed to this. The minister also stated that power plants are needed everywhere in Germany, including in East Germany.
The so-called southern bonus refers to the federal government's plan to prioritize the construction of new gas power plants in southern Germany. Criticism has been sparked in Saxony due to this plan, with the fear that it could disadvantage eastern regions like Lusatia. However, Reiche has emphasized that Lusatia has excellent conditions for the construction of gas power plants.
Reiche's statement regarding Lusatia's excellent conditions was made in Dresden and Spremberg, cities in East Germany. She also mentioned that there will be several tender waves for the construction of new power plants and that they are "very, very far" with the EU Commission in obtaining more power plant capacity. With the energy company Leag, there is a company in Lusatia that is "in a difficult but courageously accepted transformation."
The situation is actively evolving with ongoing negotiations and ministerial engagement in the region. The federal government's commitment to ensuring balanced development that supports the east will be key in addressing the concerns of regional disadvantage among local stakeholders and workers.
- The federal government, as part of their coalition agreement with CDU, CSU, and SPD, plans to build up to 20 gigawatts of gas-fired capacity by 2030, and this employment policy will span across various regions, including eastern Germany like Lusatia.
- Minister Reiche, while addressing local concerns in Dresden and Spremberg, highlighted Lusatia's potential and existing energy infrastructure as strong grounds for the construction of gas power plants, which aligns with the community policy and industry development strategy.
