Chancellor Merkel – Renewables reform is paradigm shift

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the country’s renewable reform is a profound paradigm shift. “We can’t feel it yet […] but it will change the landscape considerably,” Merkel said with reference to the transition from pre-fixed feed-in tariffs to an auction system. At a Federation of German Industries (BDI) event on Thursday, she added that progress was urgently needed in grid extensions. With regard to the Climate Action Plan, Merkel said industry’s participation was planned once a presentable result was available. “We will talk about the Climate Action Plan in constructive cooperation.” She added that a “soft nudge” from policy framework conditions was sometimes important to spur innovation, which was crucial for German export success.

For background, read the CLEW dossier The reform of the Renewable Energy Act.