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Austria fails in lawsuit: EU court classifies nuclear power and gas as green
The court in Luxembourg has ruled that nuclear power and gas retain their status as sustainable energy sources. Austria sought to overturn the EU Commission’s decision with a lawsuit, but lost. Now the only option left is to go to the European Union’s highest court. (ntv: 10.09.25) Court rejects Austria’s proposal The Austrian government clearly…
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The Northvolt drama continues – now the takeover by Lyten also threatens to fail
Lyten is in the spotlight of European battery policy. The US company wanted to take over Northvolt’s gigafactory in Heide, but new setbacks are shaking confidence. While Quebec declares bankruptcy at its subsidiary there, Lyten is attempting to turn around battery cell production in Europe with former Northvolt managers. (capital: 09.09.25) Quebec insolvency as a…
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Heidelberg in budget emergency – expensive climate spending drives city into financial crisis
Heidelberg is in a serious crisis. Under Green Party leadership, the city council has relied on expensive climate projects for years and declared a climate emergency. Millions have been poured into consultations, funding programs, and prestigious measures. Instead of saving money, the city is now considering additional levies such as the City Tax. Today, Heidelberg…
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Chemical industry in shock: Venator files for bankruptcy – 700 jobs threatened
Venator’s insolvency has hit the German chemical industry hard. After almost 150 years, the company has been forced to file for insolvency at its Duisburg and Krefeld sites. Around 700 employees now face job losses, while the consequences of the energy crisis further exacerbate the situation. (bild: 10.09.25) Two locations under pressure First, the plant…
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Kubota site in Nieder-Roden – Discussion about relocating tractor assembly to Poland
Kubota is considering relocating its tractor assembly operations in Nieder-Roden, Hesse, to Poland. The Japanese manufacturer aims to reduce cost pressure and make production more cost-effective. Around 200 jobs depend on this decision. (topagrar: 08.09.25) Fears for jobs IG Metall speaks of a threat to the entire site. According to their estimates, not just 100…
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Managers warn – previous staff cuts in the automotive industry are just the tip of the iceberg
The German auto industry is in a severe crisis. Sales problems, geopolitical tensions, and tariffs are weighing on the sector. Staff cuts are particularly threatening. Former manager Uwe Hochgeschurtz warns: “We haven’t seen the worst yet.” New vehicle sales remain below pre-coronavirus levels, which has already led to massive job cuts. The transition to electromobility…
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BorgWarner announces massive layoffs at its German sites in Darmstadt and Langen
BorgWarner has announced extensive layoffs at its Darmstadt and Langen sites. Hundreds of jobs are at risk. This move hits southern Hesse particularly hard, as the region’s automotive industry is already suffering from declining orders. The planned layoffs not only mean personal hardships, but also a severe blow to economic stability. (hessenschau: 08.09.25) IG Metall…
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RWE CEO calls for 15 billion euros in annual subsidies for industrial electricity prices
Germany is struggling with high electricity costs. RWE CEO Markus Krebber considers the industrial electricity price a crucial tool for industrial competitiveness. Despite existing relief measures, he considers additional subsidies of up to €15 billion annually to ease energy prices indispensable. Regarding the necessary sums, he declares: “It can’t be a problem.” (welt: 09.09.25) Billions…
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Network Agency warns: 71 new gas-fired power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 GW needed
Germany is facing an energy supply bottleneck. According to the Federal Network Agency, a total of 35.5 gigawatts of dispatchable power must be connected to the grid by 2035, which will require the construction of around 71 new gas-fired power plants. This is the only way to guarantee security of supply in times of fluctuating…
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DIHK study warns of energy transition cost explosion of up to 5.4 trillion euros
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) warns of the enormous financial consequences of the energy transition in a recent study. The analysis shows that a cost explosion of up to €5.4 trillion is looming. This burden is weakening Germany’s competitiveness as a business location. Energy, industry, buildings, and transport are particularly affected, as…
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Mercedes plans to relocate E-Sprinter production from Ludwigsfelde to Poland
Around 2,000 skilled workers currently manufacture various versions of the Sprinter in Ludwigsfelde, Brandenburg. However, the outlook for the site is bleaking. According to the state government, series production is scheduled to end by the end of 2029. Mercedes is reorienting itself and plans to build the electric versions of the Sprinter in Poland in…
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Germany’s job crisis – three million unemployed and no change of course
The number of unemployed in Germany now exceeds three million. At the same time, the term “unemployment” symbolizes the crisis: deindustrialization, weak productivity, and growing national debt are putting a strain on employment and income. While politicians are trying to appease the situation, the country is losing competitiveness and strength. More unemployed despite growing public…
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End of an era – Maxhütte pipe factory in Sulzbach closes permanently – 300 employees lose their jobs
The final closure of Maxhütte in Sulzbach-Rosenberg has shaken the region. Around 300 employees are losing their jobs after the last rescue attempt failed. The historic plant has stood for the steel industry and economic strength in Upper Palatinate for more than 150 years. (sueddeutsche: 01.09.25) Insolvency No Way Out For months, the administration searched…
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Production cuts at BYD – Chinese electric car manufacturer struggles with massive sales problems
China’s industry giant BYD is under intense pressure. A renewed production cut demonstrates that the price war is leaving deep scars in its domestic market. Although Western manufacturers often admire the company’s success, its success story in electric mobility is faltering. Profit decline despite rising sales BYD published its quarterly figures at the end of…
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Wind turbine scrap – the unsolved recycling problem is growing rapidly
The number of decommissioned wind turbines in Germany is rising rapidly. As they are dismantled, so too is the mountain of wind turbine scrap. The enormous rotor blades, in particular, pose a persistent recycling problem. They are made of glass fibers, resins, and plastics that are tightly bonded together and difficult to separate. Without solutions,…