Energy transition's geographical advantages emphasized by BDEW head Andreae, who also criticizes the slow pace in hydrogen extraction.

In a series of statements, Kerstin Andreae, CEO of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), has emphasised the need for a more balanced approach in the country's energy transition.

Andreae has highlighted the benefits of green innovations and the export of climate-friendly technologies, particularly in the realm of hydrogen energy. She has proposed the formation of a "hydrogen alliance" of European governments to facilitate the promotion of hydrogen energy in the EU, similar to the "nuclear alliance" led by the French that has succeeded in classifying nuclear energy as renewable and enabling state funding.

However, Andreae has expressed concerns about the current EU regulation, which she deems not very hydrogen-friendly. She has called for a more favourable regulatory environment to support the growth of hydrogen energy.

In the energy sector, Andreae sees significant savings potential. She advocates for the use of overhead lines instead of expensive underground cables, a more intelligent arrangement of offshore wind turbines, and a reduction in bureaucracy, which she estimates costs the industry 8.2 billion euros per year.

Andreae has also criticised the federal government for not implementing the promised reduction of the electricity tax "for all". She has encouraged Economics Minister Katarina Reiche to discuss the still unpublished monitoring report "intensively" with the energy industry.

The energy transition, Andreae believes, must continue, but with a focus on cost optimisation and cost efficiency. She has welcomed a "monitoring report" commissioned by Minister Reiche, which could lead to a fundamental realignment in this regard.

Andreae has also addressed the issue of energy security, particularly in the context of renewable energy. She has emphasised the need to protect against "dark doldrums" without wind and solar power generation by quickly building secure capacity in new gas power plants. Despite the savings potential, she has stressed that the expansion of renewable energies and networks must continue.

The German Association of Energy and Water Industries has also criticised the one-sided debate on high electricity costs in Germany. Andreae has pointed out that the lead time to operation for new gas power plants takes at least five years, and there are many orders for German plant builders for hydrogen-capable gas power plants, but not from within Germany.

Finally, Andreae has warned against a "Deutsche Bahn effect": not investing in infrastructure in a timely manner. She has expressed concern that the federal budget for 2026 lacks focus on the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy.

In a world-class display, power outages for consumers in Germany averaged only 13 minutes in 2023, compared to 367 minutes in the USA. Andreae's calls for action aim to ensure that this standard of reliability is maintained while also addressing the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.

Energy transition's geographical advantages emphasized by BDEW head Andreae, who also criticizes the slow pace in hydrogen extraction.