With today’s approval of the Electricity Supply Security and Capacity Act (Strom-Versorgungssicherheits- und Kapazitätengesetz, StromVKG) by the Bundesrat, years of uncertainty surrounding the urgently needed legal framework for the construction of Germany's future power plants have come to an end. Until shortly before the legislative process was concluded, the originally proposed ‘southern bonus’, which would have given projects in the grid-constrained south of Germany a competitive advantage, was the subject of considerable public criticism. Energy suppliers, grid operators and affected economic regions in north and eastern Germany successfully campaigned for amendments to the Act.
“We advocated for fair competitive conditions in the power plant tenders because urgently needed dispatchable generation capacity is also required in the grid regions of northern and eastern Germany. Only following the amendments to the StromVKG do we now have a realistic chance and are able to compete in the tenders. We would like to thank everyone who fought for equal treatment in this process,” emphasised LEAG CEO Adi Roesch.
Speaking from the employees’ perspective, Silke Rudolf, Chair of the LEAG Group Works Council, added: “We expect the substantial public funding and capacity payments that will enable the construction of new power plants to generate sustainable economic value as well. This includes industrial jobs with long-term prospects and a healthy regional economic structure in Lusatia and the Central German mining region. The prerequisite is that the announced investments are actually implemented locally, so as to make use of the existing skills of the workforce.”
Stephanie Albrecht-Sulliak, Head of the North-East Regional District of the IGBCE energy trade union, underlined: “Today is a good day for the energy regions in eastern Germany. This legislation was long overdue. Industry, as the engine of our prosperity, depends on a reliable energy supply. In its amended form, the law ensures that new power plants can be built in all regions. Eastern Germany will retain its economic prospects and security of energy supply throughout the coal phase-out and structural transformation. The dedicated efforts of employees and all partners involved have paid off.”