Energy Newsletter

Germany pays €0.38/kWh, the highest electricity prices in the EU – significantly above France (€0.26) and Spain (€0.25). Price volatility is extreme: during a heat wave, wholesale prices rose by 550% (€86 to €566/MWh). This jeopardizes industry competitiveness and heavily burdens households.

In the first half of 2026, 57-61% of German electricity came from renewable sources – wind and solar generated 128% more than coal. Grid imports fell from 9.6 TWh (H1 2025) to 1.25 TWh (H1 2026). The expansion shows success but reveals instability during periods of low wind and sun.

RWE is increasing its stake in transmission system operator Amprion from 20% to approximately 55% – the Federal Cartel Office approves the transaction. RWE thereby secures influence over strategic grid infrastructure for the expansion of electricity highways, though without sole decision-making authority.

Vattenfall has installed the first monopiles for the Nordlicht I offshore wind farm in the North Sea – Europe's largest offshore project. The wind farm is to supply millions of households with electricity and is a key project for Germany's energy transition by 2028.

RWE and Google support fusion startup Proxima Fusion with €411 million to build a demonstrator near Munich. The project signals confidence in fusion energy as a long-term solution and positions Germany as an innovation hub for alternative energy technologies.