March 30, 2026 · 06:33 Uhr
Since the outbreak of the Iran war, oil and gas prices have risen massively; gas costs for electricity generation increased by 55%. German industry is facing existential danger due to energy costs, as electricity prices are already 3x higher than in the USA/China. Supply uncertainty and price spikes endanger competitiveness and economic growth.
French nuclear power plants play a growing role in stabilizing the German power grid; redispatch interventions are becoming more expensive and frequent. Dependence on French resources indicates structural weaknesses in grid expansion and renewable expansion. Grid fees are rising due to these interventions.
Expansion pace for wind and solar more than doubled; from 2026, 22 GW/year is to be installed. Green electricity generation in Feb. 2026 increased by 12% compared to previous year and reduces electricity prices. However, problems with wind power expansion and solar expansion weaknesses jeopardize targets.
EnBW expects stable to stagnating profits in 2026 despite offshore wind expansion (960 MW). CEO sends clear signal against SMR nuclear power as too expensive and immature. Profit warning reflects overall industry situation: investment pressure amid declining profitability.
EU Court of Justice confirms approval of energy sector merger despite appeals from 9 municipal utilities. Concentration at E.ON and RWE remains central topic in lobby discussions. Shows tensions between antitrust law and energy transition requirements.
Germany's energy sector is in a critical phase of upheaval: The Iran war has massively increased oil and gas prices and exacerbates Germany's energy cost competitive disadvantage versus the USA and China. Structural dependencies are becoming increasingly visible—German power grids rely on French nuclear power for stabilization, while accelerated renewable energy expansion (22 GW/year from 2026) does lower electricity prices, but grid expansion and flexibility become critical bottlenecks. Major energy companies such as EnBW and the merged RWE/E.ON structure are under margin pressure; political-regulatory instability (lobby allegations, merger controversies) further complicates long-term planning security. From a security policy perspective, there is considerable risk to energy supply in case of geopolitical shocks as well as growing strategic dependence on French nuclear power.
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