Future of the Schopau power plant: Minister of Energy is demanding planning security!

Future of the Schopau power plant: Minister of Energy is demanding planning security!

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

The Schkopau location, which includes the most powerful power plant in Saxony-Anhalt, is the focus of planning for a new gas power plant. MIBRAG Energy Group plans to build a highly efficient gas and steam turbine power plant with a net output of up to 900 megawatts. Willingmann emphasized that the federal government wants to promote the addition of up to 20 gigawatt gas power plant capacity in order to secure the energy supply in the transition period after the coal phase -out. At the same time, he points to the existing profitability gap, which makes state funding necessary in order to be able to implement such projects. The application for the first participation for the GUD power plant was submitted in July 2024.

Overview of the coal phase -out

like Zeit reports, the energy group RWE plans its coal exit by 2030, depending on the framework for new gas power plants, which are to be created in 2025. RWE boss Markus Krebber makes it clear that the coal phase-out only works if the federal government quickly implements a tender of 15 to 20 gigawatts for new gas power plants. Otherwise there is a risk of lignite power plants.

In this context, it is important to note that the federal government misses a clear strategy for the construction of new gas power plants. The construction of such facilities usually takes five to six years, so that time is urged. Krebber therefore calls for urgent measures to enable hydrogen -capable gas power plants. A concept stipulates that these systems should be operated in perspective with "green" hydrogen. But the financing remains unclear because many projects for energy companies appear unprofitable.

planning security required

How the Tagesschau reports, the Federal Government is aware of the need to create new gas power plants as a reserve for "dark low", i.e. times when renewable energies do not provide enough electricity. Another major problem is the lack of planning security. The EnBW warned of investment obstacles and sees a serious delay in the implementation of necessary projects.

Another argument comes from Manuel Frondel from the RWI, which suggests, to keep existing coal -fired power plants as a reserve to ensure the stability of the power grid. "We could largely minimize the CO2 emissions by expanding renewable energies," Frondel describes the situation. Ultimately, a smooth transition to a climate -neutral energy supply is not only necessary, but also feasible. The question is whether politics can set the course in good time to enable this.

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