Functioning Without Government Funds: Is 1 Comma5° Independent, Philipp Schröder?
In the heart of Berlin, Philipp Schröder, founder of 1Komma5°, voiced his concerns last week during a meeting with reporters in his office. Schröder's skepticism towards the first 100 days of the new federal government is particularly directed towards Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche's decision to strengthen gas power plants.
The report on the energy transition, commissioned by Minister Reiche, has been released. However, Schröder believes the proposal is misguided, as it suggests a slower pace for renewables and more gas power plants. He criticizes the report's conclusion that gas power plants are necessary for peak or base load, as it overlooks the potential of existing private sector battery storage systems, electric cars, and heat pumps.
Schröder is particularly critical of Minister Reiche's plan to support the construction of 36 gigawatts of new gas power plants. He suggests a more modest range of 5 to 10 gigawatts would be more appropriate. Schröder argues that the potential of electric cars and dynamic tariffs is not being considered in the report, and that flexibility and smart meters could significantly reduce the need for gas power plants, creating a more intelligent and affordable power system.
Robert Habeck, on the other hand, has called for new gas power plants with up to 25 gigawatts as early as 2023. This proposal has sparked debate, with Schröder labelling it as expensive symbolic politics, using outdated means to solve today's and tomorrow's problems.
Schröder has expressed his views on the report on LinkedIn, and 1Komma5° is prepared to monitor the situation closely. The organization may file a complaint with the European Commission if subsidies are given to RWE for supply security. Schröder has also hinted at the possibility of joining forces with environmental and climate protection organizations, as well as other energy political initiatives, to challenge the subsidization of fossil fuel energy sources.
Schröder's views have drawn both support and criticism. Some view him as the voice of the industry, while others are critical of his stance. However, one point on which there seems to be consensus is Schröder's assertion that the new power plants would require permanent subsidies from taxpayers.
Concrete numbers on the impact of the new federal government's energy policies will be presented by 1Komma5° at the end of September. Until then, the debate over Germany's energy transition and the role of gas power plants continues to rage on.
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