EU seeks to end deadlock over German transmission plan

• 9 years ago (2015-03-10)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1068 Nuclear 643 Renewables 757

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The EU has urged Germany to find a solution to political deadlock over disputed plans to build new power transmission lines between the windy north of the country to the more developed south. The power lines themselves are seen as integral to Germany's shift away from nuclear and fossil fuels.

However, a decision on whether to construct the power lines has been delayed until the end of June due to disagreements with the ruling coalition.

"In my opinion, these lines are needed and important," Miguel Arias Canete, the Euopean Union's Climate Action and Energy Commissioner, said. He went on to say how this would benefit both German consumers and companies alike, while also further developing Europe's energy market.

The grid extensions themselves would bring renewable energy from turbines in the north through 'electricity highways' to the energy-hungry south, which has industrial groups like BMW and Siemens.

On the other hand Bavarian state premier, Horst Seehofer, has questioned the proposals and instead wants to subsidise gas fired power stations.

The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) has cautioned that delays to grid expansion could lead to bottlenecks and electricity shortages.