Energy Newsletter

Spot gas prices in Germany have risen above €60/MWh – six times more expensive than in the USA. The price explosion follows geopolitical escalation in the Iran conflict and threatens the stability of German electricity supply and industry. Energy Minister Reiche confirms: nuclear phase-out was a mistake, gas remains the only alternative.

German transmission system operators warn of insufficient power plant capacities and partially overloaded grids in 2026. On 23.03.2026, 13 GW of electricity had to be imported with weak wind generation – grid frequency spikes and stability problems increased. Germany is effectively dependent on electricity imports, particularly from France.

Germany is estimated to spend €29.5 billion in EEG subsidies in 2026, while electricity prices rise 16% for new customers and CO2 emissions do not decline. The energy transition shows paradoxical effects: highest EU electricity prices, ten times higher CO2 emissions than France, massive subsidy leakage despite 23.8% renewable quota.

E.ON increases investments to €57 billion (2026–2030) for grid modernization and smart meters. RWE invests $19–20 billion in USA gas capacities and fusion technology (Proxima Fusion with Max Planck). EnBW expects stable but not growing profits in 2026.

161 GW of battery storage capacity awaits grid connection in Germany, but allocation procedures by the four transmission system operators (50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT, TransnetBW) are delayed until summer 2026. Paradox: storage infrastructure exists, but regulatory hurdles and grid expansion costs slow expansion.