Energy Newsletter

In Q1 2026, renewables in Germany reached 53–54.5% of electricity consumption – an increase of over 9 GWh compared to 2025. At the same time, volatile generation is causing massive grid bottlenecks and partly negative electricity prices on public holidays. The discrepancy between the north (wind-rich region) and south is intensifying, which means higher redispatch costs for Amprion, TenneT and Co.

Germany's electricity prices exceed €120–150/MWh, while France with nuclear power remains at €60–80/MWh. Reason: TTF gas prices influence German wholesale prices by 40%, household gas prices by 50–60%. LNG dependency and geopolitical tensions (Iran conflict) keep gas prices artificially high – a structural competitive disadvantage for German industry.

Amprion's Ultranet electricity superhighway (on existing pylons, not underground) is scheduled to go into operation by year-end 2026, with A-Nord following in 2027. The project is intended to ease transmission bottlenecks between northern and southern Germany and reduce redispatch costs. However, Reddit discussions show that 3.5 GWh of curtailment over 12 months is receiving criticism.

Federal government approves €6.5 billion from the Climate and Transformation Fund for the four transmission system operators (TenneT, 50Hertz, Amprion, TransnetBW). The network operators have committed to passing on the relief to customers. Bavaria's blockade position on grid expansion remains controversial; Reddit users criticize Söder's 10-year delay.

EU court dismissed 9 appeals against E.ON/RWE takeovers and confirmed Commission approval. This intensifies market concentration among the 4 major suppliers (EON, RWE, EnBW, Vattenfall). At the same time, EnBW, RWE and Vattenfall report substantial losses from nuclear phase-out – financing of energy transition projects at risk.