German Government Reaches Power Plant Strategy Deal for Brandenburg

The federal government approved a new regional framework for tendering gas-fired power plants that gives a scoring bonus to projects in the south if at least one‑third of the tender volume is placed in the grid‑technical north. The compromise, praised by CDU leaders in Brandenburg, is intended to balance the special grid requirements of southern Germany with the interests of the eastern states and secure additional reliable capacity.

At the same time, Brandenburg's Minister‑President Dietmar Woidke called for the creation of a separate electricity price zone linked with Poland, arguing that Germany’s uniformly high power costs hinder energy‑intensive industries. He highlighted the region’s growing demand for data‑center capacity, which could rise from under 50 MW to nearly 900 MW, and suggested that a cross‑border price zone would improve competitiveness while cooperation with neighboring states continues.

Both moves aim to strengthen energy security, support regional economic development, and address concerns from industry and politicians about future power supply and cost competitiveness.