Future of the Schkopau power plant: Energy Minister calls for planning security!

Future of the Schkopau power plant: Energy Minister calls for planning security!

Saxony-Anhalt's Energy Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann recently visited the Schkopau power plant to discuss the future of energy supply in Germany. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of controllable power plant capacities, especially in times when wind power and photovoltaics are not sufficient. “We have to make sure that we have enough stable capacity,” said Willingmann during his summer tour.

The Schkopau site, which includes the most powerful power plant in Saxony-Anhalt, is the focus of planning for a new gas power plant. The MIBRAG Energy Group plans to build a highly efficient gas and steam turbine power plant there with a net output of up to 900 megawatts. Willingmann emphasized that the federal government wants to promote the construction of up to 20 gigawatts of gas power plant capacity in order to secure energy supplies in the transition period after the coal phase-out. At the same time, he points out the existing economic gap that requires government funding in order to be able to realize such projects. The application for the first partial approval for the combined cycle power plant was submitted in July 2024.

Overview of the coal phase-out

How Time reports, the energy company RWE is planning to phase out coal by 2030, depending on the framework conditions for new gas power plants that are to be created in 2025. RWE boss Markus Krebber makes it clear that the coal phase-out will only work if the federal government quickly implements a tender of 15 to 20 gigawatts for new gas power plants. Otherwise there is a risk that brown coal power plants will have a longer operating time.

In this context, it is important to note that the federal government lacks a clear strategy for the construction of new gas power plants. Construction of such facilities usually takes five to six years, so time is of the essence. Krebber is therefore calling for urgent measures to enable hydrogen-capable gas power plants. One concept envisages that these systems will eventually be operated with “green” hydrogen. But financing remains unclear because many projects appear unprofitable for energy companies.

Planning security required

As the daily news reports, the federal government is aware of the need to create new gas power plants as a reserve for “dark lulls,” i.e. times when renewable energies do not provide enough electricity. Another big problem is the lack of planning security. EnBW warned of obstacles to investment and sees a serious delay in the implementation of necessary projects.

Another argument comes from Manuel Frondel from RWI, who suggests keeping existing coal-fired power plants as reserves to ensure the stability of the electricity grid. “We could minimize CO2 emissions as much as possible by expanding renewable energies,” says Frondel, describing the situation. Ultimately, a smooth transition to a climate-neutral energy supply is not only necessary, but also feasible. The question is whether politicians can set the course in time to make this possible.

Willingmann will also visit other locations in Saxony-Anhalt until Friday and discuss the challenges and opportunities of the energy and heat transition with companies and municipalities. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to make the right decisions and create clear perspectives.