Germany to debate energy transition reforms and EEG amendment

The German Bundestag is set to negotiate two significant legislative packages aimed at reforming the country’s energy transition: an amendment to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and a new grid package. Introduced by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche, the EEG amendment proposes reducing subsidies and making direct marketing mandatory for small photovoltaic systems, effectively phasing out traditional feed-in tariffs.

The grid package aims to grant network operators more flexibility. While the stated goal is to lower overall system costs—including generation, storage, and security of supply—to reduce electricity prices, some experts warn that increased risks could inadvertently make the expansion of renewables more expensive.

Regarding the shift toward direct marketing for small-scale solar, the Federal Association of New Energy Industries (bne) has released a whitepaper outlining six proposals to make this transition viable for prosumers. The bne highlights significant implementation deficits among distribution network operators and calls for legal changes to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) to strengthen prosumer rights, including compensation for delays in grid connection or smart meter installation.