Energy Newsletter

In the first quarter of 2026, more than half of German electricity generation came from renewable sources for the first time – a historic turning point in the energy transition. Wind power and solar energy increased significantly, while conventional energy sources declined by 1.8%. Germany became a net exporter again, underscoring the competitiveness of the energy industry.

German electricity prices are declining by 6.7% in 2026 due to falling generation costs and growing renewable share; industrial subsidies are taking effect. At the same time, massive grid connection bottlenecks are emerging – from 2026, a new maturity level procedure from the four transmission system operators will take effect to manage waiting lists for grid connections.

RWE CEO Markus Krebber is pursuing vertical integration with the acquisition of Amprion: electricity generation + grid infrastructure under one roof. Amprion remains the only TSO without state involvement, while TenneT, 50Hertz, and TransnetBW are partially controlled by the federal government – signaling a strategic shift toward critical infrastructure control.

New tender rounds for offshore wind in the North Sea and Baltic Sea start in 2026; RWE, Vattenfall, and EnBW are preparing major projects. Markus Krebber emphasizes increased electricity demand from electrification and AI data centers – investment framework will be decisive for decarbonization targets.

KIT, Siemens Energy, and all four transmission system operators (50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT, TransnetBW) are jointly developing superconducting current limiters for grid stability. The technology is intended to regulate short-circuit currents during volatile renewable fluctuations – essential for grid robustness at >50% wind/solar share.