Overview

• Economics Minister Katherina Reiche proposes at least 20 GW of reserve gas capacity from 2027 with state construction support to cover periods of low renewable output.
• A K&L Gates opinion for Deutsche Umwelthilfe argues the subsidy model may violate EU state‑aid rules due to insufficient proof of market failure, questions over proportionality, and non‑compliant regional or site bonuses.
• HNA reports Reiche signaled specific locations in the Lausitz—Schwarze Pumpe, Lippendorf and Leipheim—totaling 2 GW, a move critics say conflicts with requirements for open, technology‑neutral auctions.
• A Roland Berger study for Enpal estimates decentralized solutions could save €185–255 billion by 2045 and reduce household costs by €900–€1,200 per year, while still allowing for some gas capacity below the scale proposed.
• Feasibility concerns include tight turbine supply, scarce green hydrogen, an existing capacity reserve that covers emergencies through 2026, and earlier EU understandings that only encompassed about 5 GW plus 7.5 GW of hydrogen‑ready units.