Overview

• The Federal Ministry of Economics is finalizing auction rules for up to 20 GW of new gas-fired capacity under a framework awaiting EU approval.
• Eastern state ministers led by Saxony’s Dirk Panter are pushing for allocation criteria that recognize existing infrastructure, project speed and hydrogen readiness.
• Federal minister Katherina Reiche visited the Schwarze Pumpe lignite plant in Lusatia and assured local communities that eastern sites will be included in the program.
• Leag warns that roughly 3 GW of its coal capacity will retire by 2030 and has plans for about 2 GW of hydrogen-ready gas plants at Schwarze Pumpe, Lippendorf and Leipheim.
• On-site protests by Leag workers and stakeholder engagement continue to shape the debate over the proposed Südbonus and regional distribution of new capacity.