RWE stake increase in Amprion faces criticism over market competition

Four independent green energy suppliers—naturstrom, Bürgerwerke, Elektrizitätswerke Schönau, and Green Planet Energy—have criticized the planned increase of RWE’s stake in the transmission grid operator Amprion. The move would raise RWE’s share from 20 percent to approximately 55 percent.

The critics argue that this concentration of power threatens the liberalization of the energy market and undermines competition. They specifically warn that the close link between Germany’s largest electricity producer and a critical grid infrastructure operator violates the principle of unbundling, which requires the strict separation of grid operations, energy distribution, and generation. There are concerns that RWE could gain unfair competitive advantages by accessing internal grid operation data.

While the Federal Cartel Office approved the increase in participation following a competition law review, the energy suppliers are calling for stricter oversight by the Federal Network Agency. RWE and Amprion have defended the deal, stating it will benefit grid expansion and that RWE intends to significantly increase infrastructure investments.