Clean Energy Wire

Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to push for a softening of the EU’s 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars.

The change to 15-minute-trading intervals on Europe’s electricity market on 1 October has been hailed by energy companies as a leap forward in the region’s efforts to transition towards renewable energy supply.

Germany must seize a “unique historical opportunity” to lead in nuclear fusion technology by committing three billion euros for the construction of demonstration plants, the country’s leading fusion startups said.

Germany will adapt the rollout of renewables to the lagging grid expansion and lower its hydrogen ambitions, in a bid to reduce the costs of its landmark energy transition.

The EU ETS “urgently needs to be adjusted” to prevent industry in the union from falling behind global competitors as the momentum of the green transition has slowed, said German steelmaker Thyssenkrupp.

With Europe warming twice as fast as the global average, cities across the continent are becoming pioneers in withstanding deadly heatwaves, prolonged droughts and devastating floods.

Many activists and industry representatives agree that the government coalition of Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has reached the 100-day mark in office with a subpar record on advancing the country's energy transition.

Germany’s government cabinet has adopted a draft law to allow and promote the large-scale buildup of carbon storage and transport infrastructure in Germany.