Energy Newsletter

In the first quarter of 2026, renewable energies cover more than 50% of German electricity consumption for the first time – a milestone in the energy transition. Gross electricity generation from renewables increased from 63.6 to 73.2 GWh compared to the previous year. This simultaneously intensifies grid expansion challenges and makes intelligent storage solutions a necessity.

German electricity prices reached 86.80 €/MWh in May 2026, while France pays only 22.06 €/MWh – the main reason is the Iran crisis and associated gas price explosion of over 60%. Germany is planning 1.9 billion dollars in relief measures; the price gap reveals Germany's structural dependence on gas imports compared to France's nuclear power base.

When renewable energy overproduction occurs, electricity prices turn negative – Amprion had to curtail 3.5 GWh of renewables in Cologne over 12 months. This is evidence of grid bottlenecks and lacking storage capacity; the community demands increased battery investments and decentralized load management.

The EU Court of Justice confirms the approval of the EVH/enercity acquisition by E.ON/RWE and rejects nine appeals from German municipal energy suppliers. This further consolidates the market power of the four major German energy companies (E.ON, RWE, EnBW, Vattenfall).

Amprion projects Ultranet (completion end of 2026) and A-Nord (commissioning 2027) aim to reduce transmission bottlenecks through new high-voltage lines on existing pylons. Transmission system operators debate cost distribution – Amprion calls on green energy producers to contribute to financing.