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Power outages, drones, sabotage – how vulnerable Germany’s critical infrastructure is
Germany’s critical infrastructure is under pressure, as series of power outages, a potential blackout, and drone espionage combine to create a complex mix of risks. At the same time, redundancy to mitigate individual failures is lacking in many places. A single network outage is now enough to cause all communication chains to collapse. (thepioneer: 10.01.26)…
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Hydrogen pipeline without customers – why the costs end up on the electricity bill
Germany has made a central hydrogen pipeline, spanning approximately 400 kilometers, operational, but it lacks connected suppliers and firm purchase agreements. This will lead to long-term increases in electricity prices because fixed capital costs flow back into the energy system. Simultaneously, grid fees will rise as financing is secured through regulated returns. This effect is…
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The FRM II research reactor at the Technical University of Munich has been shut down for almost six years
The FRM II research reactor at the Technical University of Munich has been shut down for almost six years, even though it is needed as a neutron source. This has resulted in a shortage of medical radioisotopes, and at the same time, the transport of nuclear waste remains on hold. Meanwhile, critics and operators continue…
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Green Party email after Berlin blackout: MPs should not speak about left-wing extremist perpetrators
Following the blackout in Berlin, the Green Party parliamentary group instructed its members in writing, with a clear directive. The email stated: “DO NOT focus on perpetrators/investigations.” This was intended to prevent left-wing extremist suspects from becoming the main public issue. At the same time, the party is prioritizing the election campaign. The power grid…
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Sugar tax, inheritance tax, ban on warning apps: These plans are intended to bring more money to the state
The government is running out of money, but instead of consistently cutting spending, it prefers to look for new ways to increase revenue. The timing is striking, as many of these proposals have emerged in the weeks since Christmas, within just a few days of each other. Health, justice, and security provide the appropriate labels,…
Blackout News on Social Media
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Police are now guarding electrical substations in Berlin with up to four hundred officers daily
Following the arson attack on a cable bridge in Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Berlin is ramping up security for its power infrastructure with a massive police presence. According to the Berliner Zeitung, police are deploying up to four hundred officers daily to secure substations and other facilities. Around 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses were without power for several…
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Meta relies on nuclear power: Billions invested in AI and data centers
Meta is restructuring its energy supply because AI infrastructure and data centers require ever-increasing amounts of electricity. Therefore, Meta is entering into long-term contracts for nuclear power to increase security of supply and limit CO₂ emissions. At the same time, Meta is responding to the growing pressure to expand computing capacity in a predictable manner.…
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Hydrogen shortage halts hydrogen trains on the Heidekrautbahn RB 27
The RB 27 regional train connects Berlin with the northern outskirts in Brandenburg. On January 10, 2026, service was disrupted. A lack of hydrogen for refueling caused the Heidekrautbahn hydrogen trains to stop running. The hydrogen shortage affected the line on a weekend. The platform displays showed “Service disruption! (no fuel delivery)”. (berliner-zeitung: 12.01.26 RB…
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Investigations by the Federal Prosecutor General against Vulkan Group have been unsuccessful for 15 years
For almost 15 years, the Federal Prosecutor General has been pursuing the Vulkan group, yet the results remain meager. The state speaks of terrorism against infrastructure, but a manhunt with tangible results is lacking. (cicero: 12.01.26) Vulkan Group: Investigation Report Without Action A spokesperson told Cicero that there have been “no arrests or major searches”…
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Germany basket – SPD demands cheaper food from retailers
The SPD is calling for a “Germany Basket” that would significantly reduce the cost of groceries. This would involve lower prices for basic foodstuffs in stores and the establishment of a price monitoring agency. However, food prices are also rising due to the repeatedly increased minimum wage and the annually raised CO2 tax. The SPD,…
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After the December shock – Destatis no longer publishes preliminary insolvency figures
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) is discontinuing the publication of preliminary insolvency figures. The quick overview will disappear, and the official overall picture will be available much later. This increases uncertainty at a time when insolvency filings, corporate insolvencies, and the economic situation are being closely monitored. (destatis: 12.01.26) What Destatis is specifically discontinuing The…
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Tesla reports sales decline in Europe – Falling capacity utilization in Grünheide threatens Gigafactory
Tesla’s European sales figures are projected to fall in 2025. The company is now selling fewer vehicles than in 2022. This is relevant for Grünheide because the Gigafactory was already operating below full capacity in 2022. If sales drop below this level, capacity utilization will decline further. This will increase fixed costs per vehicle, as…
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Service disruptions in Heidelberg – hydrogen buses with frost and electrical problems
In the university city of Heidelberg, bus service disruptions are becoming increasingly frequent, forcing Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv) to reorganize its daily operations at short notice. According to the company, cancellations are possible on all 14 bus lines within the city limits, and disruptions are also affecting some outlying routes. Hydrogen buses with fuel cells are…
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Frost damage after blackout: Power restored – many heating systems still remain off
After the blackout, all households in Berlin are reconnected to the power grid, but in Zehlendorf, entire streets are still without heating: The days of freezing temperatures damaged many heating systems to the point that they cannot be restarted. Without electricity, pumps and controls were shut down, and many buildings cooled down completely. Numerous heat…
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Freight forwarders warn: Extended toll exemption is not enough – electric trucks are often unsuitable for everyday use
The EU is extending the toll exemption for zero-emission trucks until 2031, yet the effect for freight companies remains limited. The measure is based on the cost per kilometer, but it ignores the operational realities of many businesses. Without charging infrastructure, without network expansion, and with high acquisition costs, a political signal will not translate…