RWE's Renewables Unit Calls For More Reform of German Energy Policy

Germany urgently needs to press ahead with reforming its energy market, but a series of elections, including general elections in the autumn, could mean standstill for much of 2013, said utility RWE AG's (RWE.XE) renewable energies chief Thursday.

Speaking to journalists at the company's head office in Essen, Hans Buenting, managing director of RWE Innogy GmbH, said that the government's top priority in terms of energy policy this year should be a reform of the renewable energies law to help contain the spiraling costs of subsidizing "green" technologies like wind and solar power.

Germany plans to be 100 per cent Renewable by 2050

Fully twenty five percent of Germany’s energy pie is now renewable energy – compared to six percent in the United States.

And Germany is pushing to transform from fossil fuels to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

The USA is stalled, dead in the water.

If the Germans can do it, why can’t the USA?

German Environment Minister plans to reform Renewable Energy Act

With a focus already on federal elections in September 2013, German Environment Minister Peter Altmaier wants to push a common legislative initiative with the goal to limit steadily rising energy costs for consumers and to better coordinate the further expansion of renewables in Germany. In a paper presented today, he proposes to reform the current renewable energy act (EEG). This, according to the minister, should be done in a transparent process by hearing stakeholders as well as the 16 Laender.

New UK Energy Minister promises energy bill into law

In his first statement as the UK’s new Energy Minister, John Hayes has pledged to bring the Coalition’s controversial Energy Bill into law.

But industry groups cautioned that Hayes, as a surprise replacement for Charles Hendry who has been closely involved in the bill, will have to get up to speed quickly with its details to ensure there are no further delays.