Der Spiegel: Germany in talks with EU to build fewer gas-fired power plants than planned

Berlin, October 21 (CTK) - Germany is negotiating with the European Commission (EC) over the construction of gas-fired power plants, but their capacity will probably be significantly lower than Economy Minister Katherina Reiche originally planned. The magazine Der Spiegel reported this today, citing its sources at the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

Shortly after taking office in May, Minister Reiche of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) said she intended to push for the construction of gas-fired power plants with a total installed capacity of at least 20 gigawatts. She said the aim was to ensure an adequate electricity supply “when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining.”

Der Spiegel reported, however, that the ambitious plans had met with resistance from the European Commission. Germany is now negotiating in Brussels over a significantly lower installed capacity for the power plants. Sources from energy companies told the magazine it would be 12 to 12.5 gigawatts.

The Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy did not confirm these figures. But if they are correct, Spiegel reported, the capacity would be the same as that sought by Reiche's predecessor as minister, Robert Habeck of the Green Party, who had already negotiated it with the EC.

Some of the new power plants in Germany are expected to burn hydrogen instead of natural gas from the outset. Other plants that initially run on gas are expected to switch to hydrogen by 2035. The European Commission's main objection is that the new gas-fired power plants are intended from the outset to serve as backup in the event of a drop in electricity generation from renewable sources. They therefore cannot, by definition, operate at full capacity, and their operation will probably require state subsidies.

Minister Reiche wanted to invite tenders for the construction of the first new gas-fired power plants in Germany before the end of this year. According to Der Spiegel, this plan is also unlikely to go ahead. Its sources say this will happen no earlier than next spring.