Energiewende is a major project the economy ministry must design – new econ min

New German economy and energy minister Peter Altmaier said the energy transition is one of his ministry’s major projects, speaking as he took over the helm of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) Friday. “The project Energiewende can only be successful if everyone involved is ready to compromise and make concessions,” he said. Altmaier told his new staff: “I want to promise you something: with your help and with the full weight of my person, I will ensure that this ministry gets the recognition it deserves, also in the public eye.“ Altmaier praised his new parliamentary state secretary Thomas Bareiß as “someone whose heart beats for the success of the Energiewende” under market economy rules. He also thanked outgoing state secretary Rainer Baake for his efforts over the past years which “made the Energiewende more secure and affordable.”
In a Twitter message, Altmaier announced that he would make increased use of social media to communicate his ministry’s policies and positions.

Watch a video of Altmaier’s speech in German here.

Find a CLEW profile of new economy & energy minister Altmaier for background here.