Gas trader VNG: Return to Russian gas hardly conceivable
The energy group VNG no longer wants to purchase gas from Russia, even in the long term. The company is distancing itself from political mind games and is focusing on secure sources.
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Gas trader VNG achieves strong result despite uncertainties
VNG ends 2024 with a solid result despite the difficult situation and continues to focus on green gases. But what the future of energy supply will look like depends on more than just the company.
Construction may begin on section of Suedostlink power line
The wind blows in the north and is used as renewable energy. The electricity is mainly consumed in southern Germany. The expansion of the grid is on its way.
Czech EP Group takes over Leag completely
Czech investors EPH and PPF took over the opencast lignite mines and power plants in Lusatia in 2016. Now they are parting ways with the investment in Saxony and Brandenburg. What does this mean?
Contrary to the national trend, more breweries in Saxony
Since 2020, the number of breweries nationwide has fallen by almost 100. However, there has been an increase in Saxony.
Share of renewables in the east at almost 75 percent
Almost three quarters of electricity consumption in the east comes from renewables. Solar expansion in particular is continuing to increase. This poses challenges for grid operators.
Official start of the exploration work for the "Ostvogtland Wärme" project
The "Ostvogtland Wärme" project starts with exploratory work on sustainable energy supply from geothermal energy. All the details on the kick-off in Auerbach.
Grid operator registers strong increase in renewables
Grid operators are also noticing the increase in renewable energies. In the grid of one of the largest operators in eastern Germany, it is not only the number of production plants that is growing.
Up to 900,000 euros in funding for sustainable projects
Millions for fresh ideas: Companies in the Central German region can now apply for funding again. The competition supports sustainable and digital projects with up to 900,000 euros.
Customers urgently needed: electricity 2024 more often junk goods
On windy and sunny days with low consumption, the price of electricity can plummet. Then customers are sometimes even paid money on the exchange. Can consumers benefit from this?
Energy Association: Major time pressure for new gas-fired power plants
Hydrogen-capable gas-fired power plants are a prerequisite for phasing out coal - but plans are stalling. An industry association is appealing to the future government to make quick decisions.
Hydrogen instead of diesel - BMW tests use of new trucks
Quickly refueled and emission-free on the road: BMW is using hydrogen trucks to transport components for the first time. But the technology still has one hurdle.
Affordable housing - associations call for deregulation
The housing and energy industry in Saxony is critical of excessive regulation. The limits of resilience have been reached.
Porsche relies on combustion engines - consequences for Saxony unclear
Like other German car manufacturers, Porsche is struggling with difficulties. The management now wants to focus on combustion engines again, among other things. What does this mean for Saxony as an automotive location?
Fewer grid interventions due to oversupply of electricity
If significantly more electricity is fed into the grid than is needed, grid operators have to intervene. This is particularly the case on sunny and windy days.
Saxony's companies spend more money on environmental protection
Companies in Bavaria invested more money in environmental protection in 2022. What priorities did they set - and which sector paid the most?
Innovation projects in eastern Germany receive a new boost
Digitalization, circular economy and more: the federal government is funding eight new projects in eastern Germany. The projects show how targeted funding can accelerate change in lignite regions.
AfD in Saxony does not want to touch existing wind turbines
Saxony's AfD does not want to take up the fight against wind turbines. Statements to the contrary by its federal spokesperson Alice Weidel are attributed to the election campaign.
Only five new wind turbines - but more permits
The expansion of wind energy in Saxony continues to falter, despite progress in obtaining permits. Experts are calling for more speed in expansion.
High-altitude wind turbine to go into operation in fall 2025
A wind turbine more than 350 meters high is to be erected in Lusatia in Brandenburg - much larger than conventional turbines. According to the company, there is great interest in such giants.
Grid operators cut off electricity less frequently in Saxony
Left-wing politician Lay has asked the federal government how the number of power cuts has developed. In Saxony, grid operators are interrupting the supply less frequently.
Mibrag puts solar park south of Leipzig into operation
The lignite producer Mibrag is investing in renewable energies. The company is operating another solar park near Leipzig. This also involves green hydrogen.
Cooling towers in Boxberg blown up - clearing the way for green energy
The coal era is also coming to an end in Lusatia. The demolition of the Boxberg cooling towers marks the start of Lusatia's transformation into an energy region.
One of the largest hydrogen projects is being built in Piesteritz
Projects for the production of green hydrogen are currently being developed at numerous locations in Germany. The aim is to supply energy-intensive industry in the future.
Saxony supports intelligent energy systems
Almost 52 million euros will be available for smart energy systems, grids and storage systems by the end of 2027. They are intended to contribute to a stable power supply.
Meyer Burger loses important customer - sales collapse
The next setback for Meyer Burger - a major customer is pulling out. What this means for the ailing solar manufacturer is still unclear. Probably nothing good.
Power supply in Saxony more reliable than the national average
Germany has a reliable power supply. This is according to data from the Federal Network Agency. Outages are also rare in Bavaria.
Dresden replaces old gas lamps with modern LEDs
In the Saxon state capital, old gas lamps still provide light on the streets. Some have already been replaced - others will not.
Conference of Energy Ministers calls for prospects for existing biogas plants
According to Minister Günther, biogas supports the energy transition. This is why existing, sustainable plants should be retained - even after the end of EEG funding.
Solarwatt focuses on complete energy solutions
Solarwatt wants to develop from an industrial company into a "solution provider". The new strategy is accompanied by extensive job cuts.
EnviaM lowers electricity and gas prices for eastern Germany
The East German energy supplier EnviaM is lowering its prices for households and businesses. However, a return to pre-crisis prices remains unlikely.
Housing associations in Saxony call for more harmony in housing and energy policy
No tenant should be stunned by their operating costs, says the Association of Saxon Housing Cooperatives. Politicians must therefore consider the issues of housing and energy together.
Meyer Burger expects increasing production volume of solar modules in the second half of the year
What will happen at Meyer Burger after the announced job cuts? The company has presented its business figures for the first half of the year and is consulting an advisor for the restructuring process.
Minister presidents call for measures to combat high energy costs
The heads of the federal states are concerned about the automotive and chemical industries in Germany. To support this, they are making numerous demands in energy policy.
Knauf Insulation plans investment in climate-friendly production in Saxony
The first climate protection contracts were issued by Federal Environment Minister Habeck just over a week ago. Around 2.8 billion euros will go to 15 German companies - including Saxony.
Saxony is catching up in the expansion of renewable energy
Renewable energies are also in demand and on the rise in Saxony. The latest report from the federal and state governments shows some progress - and an upward trend.
Hydrogen core network in Saxony: planning approved
The hydrogen core network for Germany is taking shape, with the first connections in Saxony. The network should be complete by 2032 - but not all regions will benefit immediately.
Support for companies in coal mining areas
Structural change is in full swing in Saxony's coal-mining regions. Funding is now available for the production of climate-friendly technologies.
EnviaM cuts electricity and gas prices for customers
The East German energy supplier EnviaM has around 1.2 million customers. They can look forward to a little relief for their household budget. There is a reason for this.
Swiss solar manufacturer Meyer Burger plans job cuts in Europe
The Swiss company is expected to cut 200 jobs at all locations by the end of 2025. Jobs could also be lost in Germany.
Noise measurements at Witznitz solar park: No exceedances of the guideline values detected
A constant hum from the Witznitz solar park has triggered over 70 complaints from local residents. The first results of the local noise measurement are now available.
East German politicians furious over failed migration talks
Childcare, energy transition, migration - local authorities have to deal with many tasks at the same time. East German city leaders are calling for more support - and criticizing the federal government.
Habeck expects lower electricity prices in the east
In order to transmit electricity from wind and solar power, the electricity grids need to be renewed and expanded. Up to now, it has mainly been the local people who have paid for this. But that is set to change.
87 million euros for new hydrogen center in Chemnitz
Hydrogen is seen as a key to the energy transition. In the future, it could be used to fuel trucks and supply energy to industry. Chemnitz is at the forefront of these developments.
Noise from the Witznitz solar park is measured
The Witznitz energy park is supposed to supply large quantities of clean electricity. However, local residents are now protesting: The park is buzzing.
Potential for geothermal energy production discovered in southwest Saxony
In the Vogtland district, initial indications point to usable geothermal energy. For the region, this discovery could be a decisive step towards a less climate-damaging energy future.
Federal government contradicts Saxon criticism of funding program
Saxony's regional development ministry has criticized parts of the new STARK funding programme. The Federal Ministry of Economics rejects the accusations.
Saxony's regional development ministry criticizes federal funding programme for coal regions
The federal government is providing new scope for investment in future technologies. Saxony's regional minister nevertheless sees an important gap in the program.
Numerous citizen's allowance households in Saxony pay on top
Those who receive citizen's allowance receive additional support with rent and heating. However, this is often not enough, especially for families and in Saxony's large cities.
50Hertz awards construction services for Südostlink power line
The Südostlink power line is intended to supply southern Germany with surplus electricity from renewable energies in the north-east. Construction work has now been awarded in Thuringia and Saxony.
Expert sees Saxony as a pioneer in green hydrogen
Saxony is known as the land of inventors. At least that was often the case in the past. The Free State also wants to be at the forefront of future technologies.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony intensify tourism cooperation
MV and Saxony want to cooperate more closely in tourism development, with a focus on recruiting skilled workers and international tourism.
Alliance Germany wants to stop wind turbines with a petition
Small parties need a lot of support in election campaigns. Bündnis Deutschland is now once again mobilizing against wind turbines and is hoping for broad public support.
Criticism of lignite follow-up costs - change of course demanded
Civil society organizations are pushing for a change of course regarding the follow-up costs of lignite. They fear that taxpayers could be faced with billions in clean-up costs.
1,100-kilometer hydrogen network for Central Germany
A study shows great potential for green hydrogen in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The expansion of electrolysis capacity and the conversion of existing pipelines are crucial here.
Günther sees energy transition in Saxony on the right track
In the view of the responsible minister, the energy transition is very positive - even if not all the successes are visible at the moment. This is because many projects are still at the planning stage.
Federal government only fills just under 40% of the announced jobs in coal mining areas
Of the 5000 new jobs in authorities and research institutions in coal-mining regions, 2094 have been filled so far, with plans for 3531 positions. Leftists criticize the results as sobering.
Ontras invests in hydrogen core network in Central Germany
The transmission system operator Ontras is involved in the future hydrogen core network in Central Germany with an investment volume in the mid three-digit million range.
Only one new wind turbine in Saxony so far in 2024 - five dismantled
The expansion of wind energy is virtually at a standstill in Saxony. Only one new wind turbine has gone into operation in the past six months.
Dulig wants investment company for energy conversion
The energy transition is causing difficulties for municipal companies such as public utilities in particular, as they lack investors. Economics Minister Dulig has a proposal for this problem.
Coal phase-out: unequal distribution of funds
Structural change in Lusatia will cost billions of euros. Brandenburg and Saxony will receive different amounts in a first tranche to the mining company Leag.
Saxony calls for priority to be given to underground cabling to be abandoned
Saxony's state government wants the federal government to create the legal conditions to deviate from the priority of underground cables and switch to overhead lines.
Saxony in favor of ending underground cable priority for grid expansion
Priority for underground cables or more overhead lines again for grid expansion. Saxony is advocating a change of course in the discussion - particularly with regard to the costs for electricity customers.
Federal government wants to provide coal regions with more targeted support
Climate Protection Minister Habeck is also aiming for an earlier coal phase-out in the east. He does not want to approach the law; the minister is relying on market forces. However, structural change should happen faster.
Federal government wants to provide coal regions with more targeted support
Climate Protection Minister Habeck is also aiming for an earlier coal phase-out in the east. He does not want to approach the law; the minister is relying on market forces. However, structural change should happen faster.
Federal government expands funding programs for coal regions
The federal government wants to expand the scope for state funding programs in coal-mining regions in order to accelerate structural change.
Federal government expands scope for funding programs in coal regions
The federal government wants to promote the establishment of new economic sectors in the coal regions and expand the scope for state funding programs.
95-hectare solar park inaugurated in the district of Meißen
It covers an area equivalent to around 133 soccer pitches and can supply around 25,000 households with green electricity every year: the Zeithain solar park was opened in the district of Meißen on Wednesday. "The new photovoltaic plant in Zeithain is an important component of our energy transition," ..
Poland loses before EU court in dispute over Turow opencast lignite mine
Poland concedes defeat before EU court in dispute over Turow opencast lignite mine. Judge allows penalty payment to be offset against Polish claims.
Solarwatt ends production of battery storage systems
After solar modules, Solarwatt is now also planning to discontinue the production of battery storage systems in Dresden at the end of the year. Production in Germany is currently no longer economically viable, a spokesperson explained on Sunday in response to a dpa inquiry. The machines would not be ..
New record day for green energy in Germany
On May 14, 2024, Germany covered almost all of its electricity consumption with renewable energies - a significant milestone for the energy transition.
Minister presidents speak out in favor of above-ground electricity highways
Minister presidents of Baden-Württemberg and Saxony are in favor of above-ground high-voltage lines for future electricity highways in order to save costs and time.
More and more members in energy cooperatives since the war
More and more people want to actively participate in the energy transition. The number of energy cooperatives is increasing across Germany. But some challenges remain.
121 structural development projects selected
To date, 121 projects with a volume of around 1.1 billion euros have been selected for structural change in Lusatia in Saxony as part of the coal phase-out. According to the regional development ministry in Dresden, 78 of these and 684 million euros have already been approved. In addition to project ..
Structural change in Lusatia in Saxony: 121 projects with 1.1 billion euros selected
For the coal phase-out in Lusatia, 121 projects have been selected with 1.1 billion euros to retain and attract workers and specialists.
Opportunities for new jobs for employees in the solar industry in Saxony despite the crisis
Federal Employment Agency sees good opportunities for new jobs for employees in the solar industry in Saxony despite the crisis. Shortage of skilled workers.
Opportunities for new jobs in the solar industry despite the crisis
The Federal Employment Agency in Saxony sees good opportunities for new jobs for employees in the solar industry, despite the current crisis. Companies are continuing to hire employees, and skilled workers in particular are in demand.
Criticism of G7 decision to phase out coal: Minister Presidents of Saxony and Brandenburg express outrage
The Minister Presidents of Saxony and Brandenburg, Michael Kretschmer and Dietmar Woitke, sharply criticize the G7's decision to phase out coal and emphasize the importance of the regions.
Solar park in Upper Lusatia put into operation
The energy company Leag commissioned a photovoltaic park in Boxberg (district of Görlitz) on Tuesday. The 23-hectare solar park is expected to generate up to 26,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year, the company announced. The solar plant is to become part of the Leag GigawattFactory, which is ..
Solarwatt stops solar module production in Dresden due to poor framework conditions
The company Solarwatt will temporarily discontinue the production of solar modules in Dresden due to a lack of political measures.
Kretschmer criticizes G7 agreement to phase out coal by 2035
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer criticizes the G7's agreement to phase out coal by 2035 and warns of the costs and impact on Germany's competitiveness.
Federal Minister of Economics Habeck fights to preserve the German solar industry
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck has not yet given up the fight to preserve the solar industry in Germany, despite the closure of Solarwatt.
Solarwatt stops production of solar modules for the time being
The Dresden-based company Solarwatt is suspending production for the time being due to cut-throat competition in the solar industry. 190 employees affected.
Saxony's energy minister criticizes federal government for lack of support for the solar industry
Saxony's Energy and Environment Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) criticizes the federal government for its lack of support for the domestic solar industry.
Günther criticizes lack of support for solar industry
Saxony's Energy and Environment Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) has described the German government's lack of support for the domestic solar industry as a "major pain point". Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) must ask himself why he is pushing parts of the solar industry "over the c ..
Environment Minister Günther: "Progress is being made with renewables"
According to Saxony's Environment Minister Wolfram Günther, Saxony is making good progress in the expansion of renewable energies. "The strong momentum in the expansion of renewable energies is continuing," said the Green politician on Friday. According to the report, 130 wind turbines with a total ..
"Spot on" network to drive forward the East German solar industry
Companies, service providers and research institutes join forces to strengthen the solar industry in eastern Germany
Lawsuits against connection for LNG terminal dismissed
Superfluous and harmful to the environment or necessary in terms of security of supply? The Rügen liquefied natural gas terminal is controversial. A federal court has now ruled against the connection.
Lusatian municipalities on the way to becoming a European model region for structural change
The municipalities of Lusatia are receiving support from the EU for their plans to become the first Net-Zero Valley in Europe.
Coalition squanders opportunity for German solar industry
The German Solar Industry Association has reacted with disappointment to what it sees as a lack of "industrial policy impetus" in the planned solar package from the coalition government. In a statement issued by the association for a hearing in the Bundestag Committee on Climate Protection and Energ ..
Highest wind turbine in Central Saxony put into operation
The highest wind turbine in Central Saxony with a height of 246.6 meters and an output of 5560 kilowatts is in operation. It supplies more than 4600 households with renewable energy.
VNG reports extraordinarily good result for 2023 after heavy losses
Leipzig-based gas wholesaler VNG records exceptionally good result in financial year 2023 after heavy losses
Around 426 million euros for network expansion and digitalization
More and more electricity is being generated from renewable energy. This increases the demands on the grid. The operator Mitnetz therefore wants to invest several hundred million euros.
Solar energy: Plant near Dresden inaugurated
The Dresden-based company Sunmaxx wants to pioneer the next generation of solar technologies. Its plant has now opened with highly automated module production.
Leag plans hydrogen and electricity storage center in Boxberg
Leag is planning a hydrogen and electricity storage center with the largest battery storage facility in Germany at the site of the former Boxberg I and II lignite-fired power plants.
Vogtland district pushes ahead with plans for geothermal power plant
Hot thermal water from the depths could provide warm rooms in the Vogtland region in the future. Further measurements are now being carried out to advance plans for a geothermal power plant.
Structural change millions for projects in the Lusatian mining area
As part of the coal phase-out, the federal government is making money available to help the affected mining areas with structural change.
Lausitzhalle in Hoyerswerda is being renovated
The Lausitzhalle in Hoyerswerda is being renovated with the help of coal funds. Regional Development Minister Thomas Schmidt (CDU) handed over a funding decision for 18.5 million euros on Friday. This is to enable the cultural and conference center to be modernized. According to the ministry, plans ..
Solar power plant to keep Meyer Burger in Freiberg
The solar manufacturer Meyer Burger had announced the end of its plant in Freiberg. Now a huge solar power plant is set to save the day.
Solar industry in Saxony-Anhalt dependent on aid
Last week, employees of the solar company Meyer Burger in Freiberg, Saxony, were given their notice. Is there a threat of redundancy in Bitterfeld-Wolfen too?