Coalition talks between the CDU and SPD are entering their critical phase. Matthias Lang sums up the current state of debate on renewables and the energy market. Another round of coalition talks between the conservative CDU and CSU sister parties and the Social Democrats (SPD) brought further convergence on energy policy matters, the CDU secretary-general Hermann Gröhe said. Negotiators agreed that the energy policy shift of 2010/2011 towards a renewable energy supply could only become a success and role model for others if it did not harm but strengthen German industry. Hence, financial support should help renewables to penetrate the market, but should not be granted indefinitely. Support for renewables should be declining over time. Growth should occur within fixed corridors, leading to predictable and speedy, but not excessive growth. Climate and environmental compatibility, security of supply and the affordability of electricity prices were considered equally important. In light of the above, various aspects of a reform of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) that curbs EEG-related costs have emerged. Amendments shall in particular be made with regard to onshore and offshore wind … Continue reading First Energy Results of German Coalition Talks