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Germany’s energy transition is hitting small and medium-sized businesses with full force.
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…
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How the government is shifting billions of euros and misusing the special fund.
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…
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893 companies have withdrawn from the global climate initiative
Nearly 900 companies – including several large international corporations – have withdrawn from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).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…
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The solar boom as a security risk – how China is gaining control over Europe’s power grids.
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…
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German Environment Agency opposes wood energy – dispute over the climate neutrality of wood escalates
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…
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Despite costly setbacks in Germany, Austria is investing 275 million in hydrogen.
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…
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700,000 euros in funding wasted – Rostock’s hydrogen filling station is being torn down again.
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…
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The Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs has lost track of things during the transition to Windows 11.
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…
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Vestas halts production at rotor blade factory in Poland – weak demand slows down offshore plans
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…
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Construction industry in free fall – construction crisis drives wave of insolvencies to record levels
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.…
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Energy crisis hits households – millions can no longer pay electricity and gas bills
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…
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Price increase for electricity and gas – Network Agency wants to grant network operators higher returns
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…
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Mechanical engineers give free rein to their anger at Merz
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…
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Fermi America plans mega data center with Westinghouse reactors in Texas
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…
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EU relativizes environmental friendliness of electric cars – combustion engine ban falters
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…