German environmental groups criticize gas heating and power subsidies

A coalition of ten environmental, social, and consumer organizations in Germany is protesting against the proposed green gas quota within the Building Modernization Act. The alliance, which includes groups such as Greenpeace, WWF, and the German Tenants Association, argues that the quota is a “teure Scheinlösung” (expensive fake solution) that fails to provide effective climate protection while imposing significant costs on homeowners and tenants.

Separately, environmental groups are criticizing Federal Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche regarding subsidies for gas-fired power plants. Under the Electricity Supply Security and Capacity Act, over 12 billion euros are set to be distributed over 15 years via electricity surcharges to support gas power plants. Critics, including the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), allege that these criteria favor large energy corporations and fossil fuel infrastructure while effectively excluding cheaper, climate-friendly technologies like battery storage.