Energy Newsletter

The four German transmission system operators (50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT, TransnetBW) have warned the Federal Network Agency in an urgent letter of "capacity shortage situations" in winter 2030/31. Without additional secured generation capacity, load shedding threatens. This reveals a critical gap between renewable expansion targets and necessary backup capacity.

Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (formerly EON/Westenergie) has made 28 changes to an energy report according to research, which consistently benefit large energy corporations. This has negative effects on solar and wind power and favors new gas power plant construction by RWE and other players.

German and European gas storage levels are at only 49.7-50% capacity in mid-August 2026 – the lowest level in 15 years for this time of year. European gas prices have risen to €62-65/MWh, driven by Iran conflicts, LNG bottlenecks, and low hydroelectric reserves. Risk of gas shortage and power outages in winter 2026/27 is substantial.

RWE has signed a feasibility study with Proxima Fusion, the Bavarian government, and the Max Planck Institute for a fusion demonstration power plant (demo 2030s, commercial 2030s). In parallel, RWE is building Germany's largest integrated hydrogen hub with 300 MW of green hydrogen in Lingen. This positions RWE as the technology and energy supplier of the future.

Despite 57-70% renewable share and years of energy transition promises, electricity prices have not fallen in 2026. Spot prices reach peaks of €461/MWh, Germans import expensive electricity at night at high prices. Grid expansion costs and missing storage capacity require massive subsidies that burden consumers and industry.