- Germany plans to build 20gw of gas-fired power by 2030 to stabilise supply and support intermittent renewables.
- Economy Minister Katherina Reiche criticised over-reliance on solar and wind, calling for a more balanced energy mix.
- The CDU-led government aims to protect industry and consumers from price spikes and energy shortfalls following the 2022 gas crisis.
Economy Minister Katherina Reiche announced on Tuesday, May 6, that Germany will build 20 gigawatts (GW) of gas-fired power plants by 2030 to support its renewable energy system. The plan marks a significant shift in Berlin’s energy strategy as the government seeks to stabilise supply and reduce energy costs.
Reiche, a Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician, replaced former Green Party minister Robert Habeck. She criticised Germany’s current dependence on solar and wind power. “Wind and solar alone cannot provide a stable, year-round energy supply,” she said in an interview with AFP.
She outlined plans to use gas-fired plants to provide dispatchable power when renewable sources fail. This move would protect households and industries from price spikes and potential blackouts.
Germany’s energy crisis began in 2022 when Russia stopped its gas exports. The disruption pushed energy prices higher and forced many industrial companies to cut or suspend operations during periods of peak demand.
“The crisis exposed major weaknesses in our energy system,” Reiche said. She explained that gas would serve as a transitional fuel while the country continues expanding its clean energy capacity.
The CDU and the Social Democrats, now governing in coalition, agreed to boost flexible power sources. Reiche confirmed that the gas plant expansion remains central to that agreement. “We must secure supply even during extreme weather or unexpected events,” she said.
She also referred to a major blackout in the Iberian Peninsula in April, which some experts linked to heavy reliance on renewables. Reiche warned that Germany must strengthen system flexibility to avoid a similar event.
Reiche announced plans to rename her ministry. She will remove the “climate” reference introduced under Habeck and refocus the ministry on energy security and economic strength.
Before joining the cabinet, Reiche worked as an executive for a subsidiary of energy giant E.ON. She believes the German economy can bounce back after two years of recession. “Our industry still has strength,” she said. “We can recover.”
Reiche said European countries are paying close attention to Germany’s energy policies. “Europe is watching us,” she told reporters. “They want to see how we balance energy security, affordability, and the clean energy transition.”
Environmental groups criticised the gas expansion plan. However, Reiche defended it as a temporary solution. “We won’t abandon our climate targets,” she said. “But we need reliable electricity as we move forward.”
Germany will continue to grow its wind and solar power capacity. But Reiche said these sources cannot meet demand alone. The gas plants will help fill supply gaps, especially during low-wind or low-sun periods.
Her announcement signals a shift toward a more balanced energy policy that supports the green transition while addressing reliability and economic concerns.