Energy Newsletter

In Hamburg, grid capacity is already insufficient to supply large consumers – grid expansion targets cannot keep pace with energy transition speed. Network operators speak of possible tripling of required capacity. This signals structural overload of German electricity infrastructure and could block industrial settlement.

RWE's offshore wind project North Sea Cluster A receives DNV certification and enters construction phase; EnBW and RWE reaffirm offshore plans despite reform discussions. Both groups are betting on major investments in wind energy as core strategy for power generation. This demonstrates confidence in long-term renewable transition despite short-term grid problems.

RWE doubles investments in Focused Energy (laser fusion) and transforms former nuclear site Biblis into Germany's fusion center. Total Series A financing stands at $240 million. RWE positions itself as strategic player in future technology that could enable baseload power supply without CO₂.

In 2025, 9 TWh of renewable power was curtailed, grid congestion management costs totaled €3 billion; statistically dark doldrums occurred on every second winter day. German Federal Network Agency demands new gas power plant capacity as backup. This reveals fundamental mismatch between renewable expansion and required storage/flexibility infrastructure.

Household prices stabilize at ~37 ct/kWh (with €6.5 billion federal subsidy); industry suffers from unexpected long-term price surge despite higher renewable share. Germany's prices significantly exceed neighboring countries (France ~€22/MWh); competitiveness of steel and chemical industries continues to decline.