German energy coalition protests planned EEG and grid reforms

A coalition of over 300 actors, including industry associations, environmental organizations, and local politicians, is organizing a demonstration in Berlin's government district to protest proposed energy reforms. Under the motto “Renewable Energies – Expand Instead of Slow Down,” the group is targeting changes to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and new regulations regarding power grid expansion.

Critics, including the Federal Association of Renewable Energy (BEE) and environmental groups such as BUND, NABU, and WWF, argue that the legislative drafts could hinder the energy transition. Specific points of contention include the removal of subsidies for small solar systems, a cap on lease rates for wind turbine sites, and reduced compensation for wind turbines that must be shut down due to insufficient grid capacity.

Industry representatives and municipal leaders express concern that these changes may undermine the financial viability of renewable energy projects and fail to meet necessary climate and supply security goals. The laws are expected to move toward adoption by the Bundestag and Bundesrat in the coming week.