Germany's energy crisis: record electricity prices and the failure of politics!

Germany's energy crisis: record electricity prices and the failure of politics!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - On December 13, 2024, Germany's energy policy comes into the crossfire: the dark doldrums, an unusually long period with little sun and wind energy, has led to a dramatic increase in electricity prices. "The dark downs in Germany urgently demonstrates the total failure of the Green deal," said Mag. Roman Haider, a leading member of the FPÖ. Production of renewable energies collapsed in November and early December, which forced Germany to use coal and gas power plants. The result? A shocking increase in the electricity price to record -breaking 936 euros per megawatt hour. This not only affects consumers, but also on industry, which is already confronted with decommissioning and additional costs, while neighboring countries are thinking about exposing electricity export to Germany, as the Swedish Vice Prime Minister made it clear. According to Haider, the Situation is a consequence of a "completely missed, realistic energy policy", which must be reformed urgently.

energy future or illusion?

The developments in battery technology could, however, be a glowing glimmer of hope for the German energy transition. According to a report of the Handelsblatts , a "battery boom" is bought, while the Spiegel speaks of a "Batterie-Sunami". Experts like Prof. Dr. Andreas Löschel from the Ruhr University Bochum emphasize that the installations of battery stores have grown exponentially in recent years. The rapid drop in price for battery storage, supported by an oversupply and falling raw material prices, could revolutionize the electricity market. Nevertheless, Löschel emphasizes that the gas power plants will continue to play a role in coping with the dark downs, since batteries can only compensate for at short notice.

The options created by the battery boom could lead to the dependence on fossil fuels reduced in the long term. At the same time, the question remains whether Economics Minister Robert Habeck can also stabilize electricity prices in the long term. The rapid drop in price of battery technology could enable private households and companies to benefit from cheap electricity tariffs, which arouses hopes for a "Habeck-Sches Strom Wunder". However, a fundamental renovation of the energy industry remains necessary to fulfill the promises of the Green Deal and to secure the energy supply for everyone.