German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly under pressure. Rising energy costs and record-high electricity prices are hitting small and medium-sized businesses particularly hard. While industry is often the focus of political attention, companies in the skilled trades, mechanical engineering, and food production sectors are facing existential threats. According to a study by the […]
The government’s gigantic debt fund was intended to stimulate the economy and enable investments in infrastructure. However, the money from this so-called special fund is increasingly being misused. Billions of taxpayers’ money are being squandered on political pet projects, while urgently needed future-oriented projects are being neglected. The federal government has created an instrument that
How the government is shifting billions of euros and misusing the special fund. Read More »
Nearly 900 companies – including several large international corporations – have withdrawn from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). This initiative requires members to set scientifically validated climate targets in order to align their emissions goals with international standards. However, more and more companies are questioning the feasibility of these requirements. The withdrawal affects approximately
893 companies have withdrawn from the global climate initiative Read More »
Europe’s energy transition is on shaky ground, because behind the gleaming facade lurks a massive security risk. The continent has placed its solar infrastructure firmly in the hands of Chinese manufacturers, massively exacerbating its energy dependence. This entanglement increases China’s control over critical power grids – a potential danger that many decision-makers still underestimate. At
The German Environment Agency (UBA) has ignited a heated debate about the future of wood energy with a new report. According to an analysis by the Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility (IKEM), commissioned by the UBA, electricity and heat generated from wood are not considered entirely climate-neutral. This assessment has hit the industry
Despite significant setbacks in subsidized hydrogen projects in Germany, Austria is sticking to its ambitious hydrogen strategy. The Alpine republic is investing 275 million euros in four major national projects and aims to pave the way to becoming a European hub for green hydrogen. Despite the setbacks in the neighboring country, the Ministry of Economy
Despite costly setbacks in Germany, Austria is investing 275 million in hydrogen. Read More »
Rostock’s only hydrogen filling station is facing demolition – a sobering example of failed funding and inflated hopes for the energy transition. Financed with 700,000 euros in subsidies from the federal budget, the project was intended to usher in a new era of environmentally friendly mobility. But neither the oil company Total nor the manufacturers
Support for Windows 10 has ended, and the Ministry of Digital Affairs has long since lost track of the transition to Windows 11. Neither figures on affected computers nor clear plans exist. This demonstrates the extent of government failure in Germany’s digital landscape. The state’s IT infrastructure appears outdated, uncoordinated, and inefficient. While companies have
The Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas is putting an important expansion project on hold. The planned site in Poland was intended to supply rotor blades for large offshore wind farms, but demand for wind energy is declining. Instead of growth, a phase of consolidation is now underway. The company is reacting to the weak market
The construction industry is under massive pressure. High interest rates, rising construction costs, and a lack of investment are driving construction insolvencies upwards. More and more companies are getting into trouble. This trend is sweeping through all German states and highlights the depths of the construction crisis. Demand is plummeting dramatically, especially in residential construction.
High living costs are putting massive pressure on many households. Energy prices, in particular, are devouring ever-increasing portions of income. In 2024, around 4.2 million people lived in households that could not pay their electricity and gas bills. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this corresponds to about five percent of the population. This leaves
Energy crisis hits households – millions can no longer pay electricity and gas bills Read More »
The Federal Network Agency is preparing the public for rising electricity and gas prices. President Klaus Müller announced a significant increase in the return on equity. This means a better return for grid operators, but higher grid fees for consumers. According to Müller, there is “high interest in an attractive investment environment” to secure grid
Mechanical engineers vented their anger in Berlin and confronted the Chancellor head-on. The industry summit turned into a scene of anger and open confrontation. Businessmen spoke of stalled projects, a lack of reforms, and a worsening economic crisis. “Angry and disappointed” – Mechanical engineers are turning to confrontation VDMA President Bertram Kawlath put his finger
Mechanical engineers give free rein to their anger at Merz Read More »
An ambitious project is taking shape in Texas. Fermi America is combining four Westinghouse AP1000 reactors with a gigantic data center. This will create a private energy and data infrastructure that sets new standards in nuclear energy and digitalization. (nucnet: 10.09.25) Collaboration with the US Nuclear Regulator The US Nuclear Regulator (NRC) is already reviewing
Fermi America plans mega data center with Westinghouse reactors in Texas Read More »
The future of the European automotive industry depends crucially on Brussels. The original goal was to ban new registrations of combustion engines from 2035 onwards. Purely electric cars were supposed to dominate the roadscape. However, the EU Commission is now signaling that it will revisit this course earlier than planned and wants to use new
