Overview
- Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said the subsidized power rate for industry will begin on January 1, 2026, with negotiations with the European Commission in their final phase.
- EU rules cap support at half of a company’s annual electricity use and 50% of costs, require a minimum paid price of €50 per MWh, and limit the measure to three years.
- Handelsblatt reported that the German Energy Agency drafted a concept with total costs of about €4.5 billion over three years, which has not been officially confirmed.
- Reiche said extending power price compensation for indirect ETS costs beyond 2030 is the more crucial step for steel and indicated a decision is expected within weeks.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened a steel summit for Thursday with federal, state, and industry leaders as the EU considers a plan allowing 18.3 million tonnes of key steel imports duty‑free before a 50% tariff applies.