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In Germany, the introduction of new electricity price zones is being considered. The north produces a large proportion of green electricity, while the south consumes more. This divide in the electricity market could have far-reaching consequences. Competitiveness is particularly important for Germany as an industrial location. At the same time, the energy transition will be […]

The German mechanical engineering industry is under pressure. A study shows that up to 20 percent of jobs are at risk. The reasons are rising trade barriers and increasingly aggressive competition from China. Over a million employees in Germany are feeling the effects, while market shares abroad are faltering.(handelsblatt: 26.08.25) Raising trade barriers and competition

The European automotive industry is calling for a postponement of the 2035 ban on combustion engines. Industry associations such as ACEA and CLEPA have warned the EU Commission in an urgent letter that the current strategy is unworkable. They emphasize that the policy sets ambitious targets but disregards key market and supply chain realities. Without

An unusual concept is causing controversy in Stuttgart’s city center. Two large fast-charging stations operated by EnBW at the university and at Rotebühlplatz are hardly attracting electric cars anymore. Although the charging points are centrally located, many users have observed that they often remain empty. The reason for this is not the electricity price, but

“People should be welcome to install solar panels on their roofs, but please without subsidies.” With this statement, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche initiated the debate about a change of course in the energy transition. She suggested ending subsidies for private photovoltaic systems. She received support from RWE CEO Markus Krebber, who considers

Germany’s energy transition is in the midst of a battle for scarce resources. More and more wind farms are being built in the North Sea, blocking each other. The proximity of the turbines leads to power losses, disputes, and uncertainty for billions of dollars in investments. Lukas Vollmer of the Fraunhofer Institute in Bremen describes

Dresden’s financial situation is spiraling out of control. Internal documents show that Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) and Economic Mayor Jan Pratzka (CDU) plan to eliminate 875 full-time positions in the administration. This would correspond to approximately twelve percent of the current 7,375 positions. However, the city council had only approved a five percent cut. This

A conflict over new wind turbines is escalating between Gräfenhainichen and the Mulde Reservoir. Saxony-Anhalt is planning a massive expansion of wind power to achieve its climate goals. However, many residents strongly oppose the 250-meter-high towers, fearing a loss of property value and sleepless nights due to the noise. Mayors are therefore looking for sites

Mitsubishi is withdrawing from three major offshore wind power projects in Japan. The withdrawal hits the national strategy hard, as Japan’s energy transition is focused on a significant expansion of renewable energies. The reason for this is sharply increased turbine prices, which have placed a massive burden on the calculations and called into question the

The news hits the region hard. Hesse’s only steel mill, Buderus in Wetzlar, is facing closure. At a staff meeting, the management of the Munich-based investment company Mutares informed employees of the planned closure. Mutares has not yet publicly confirmed this decision. For the employees, however, the announcement means the loss of hundreds of jobs

The debate surrounding Chinese wind turbines is now reaching the North Sea. Offshore wind power no longer represents just the energy transition and climate goals, but also geopolitical tensions. Luxcara, a Hamburg-based investor, has distanced itself from Chinese proposals following public pressure. The “Waterekke” and “Waterkant” projects will exclusively use turbines from Siemens Gamesa. The

A controversial climate study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) is one of the biggest scientific scandals of recent years. Media outlets like “Tagesschau” and “Spiegel” made it headlines in 2024. “Scientifically completely invalid,” economist Richard Rosen declared. However, politicians and the financial world made far-reaching decisions based on the PIK study.

Toyota is pursuing a flexible approach in Europe that is strictly focused on demand. The company’s new strategy combines hybrid drive with traditional technology and complements this with targeted electromobility. “We are not pushing electric cars in markets where there is no demand,” explained Andrea Carlucci, brand manager for Europe. Thus, the Toyota strategy deliberately

China is at the center of the global climate debate. Officially, the government emphasizes its record-breaking expansion of renewable energies. At the same time, a massive coal boom is driving the electricity sector to record levels. In the first half of 2025, the country connected coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 21 gigawatts

Hamburg’s energy utility has massively increased its charging prices. Customers are now paying up to 38 percent more. At AC charging stations, a kilowatt hour costs 59 cents, and at DC charging stations, 69 cents. Previously, the price was 49.9 cents. This affects both private users and businesses. At the same time, the municipal company