Energy Newsletter

The Trump Administration is paying German energy company RWE $1.2 billion to halt planned offshore wind projects in the USA. The deal signals a geopolitical shift in US energy policy and raises questions about the profitability of German renewables investments. This could influence RWE's reinvestments in fossil fuels or European projects.

50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW send joint urgent letter to Federal Network Agency: without additional secured generation capacity, 'power shortage situations' and possible load shedding threaten from 2030/31 onwards. The warning points to critical gaps between renewable generation and consumption, especially in winter. This jeopardizes Germany's energy security and industrial competitiveness.

German gas storage reached a historic low of 49.7% in August 2026 – the lowest level ever measured for this time of year. Following the failure of Russian long-term contracts, Germany is paying five times more for gas and risks shortages in winter 2026/27. This threatens industry, electricity production and could lead to blackouts or rationing.

Katherina Reiche, German Minister of Economics and former E.ON manager, is suspected of pushing major changes to energy transition policies in favor of her former employer. Documented alterations to expert reports reveal conflicts of interest in critical grid expansion and renewables regulations. The case raises questions about decision transparency and corporate lobbying at the highest political level.

Despite ~70% renewable electricity share, German power prices are not declining as promised, but remain at ~€0.387/kWh – the most expensive in Europe after Ireland. System costs for grid interventions and storage are rising exponentially; electricity market is decoupling from falling marginal costs. The central energy transition promise of lower electricity prices remains unfulfilled and threatens public acceptance and industrial location.