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Germany produces record amounts of green electricity – and has to dispose of more and more of it like garbage
Germany is generating record amounts of renewable energy, but the effect on its citizens is disastrous. Increasingly, negative prices on the electricity exchange mean that neighboring countries are supplied with electricity almost for free, while German consumers are paying billions for green energy costs. The supposed advantage of cheap energy is turning out to be…
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Zimbabwe relies on SMR technology for future energy supply
Zimbabwe is considering the introduction of a Korean small-scale reactor. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has signed an agreement with the Centre for Education, Innovation Research and Development (CEIRD) to this end. The project focuses on a feasibility study that will analyze potential locations, technical requirements, and the benefits of nuclear energy for Zimbabwe.…
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Clear-cutting at ZF in Schweinfurt – up to 4,000 jobs in Bavaria threatened
The automotive supplier ZF is facing drastic downsizing in Schweinfurt. Up to 4,000 jobs in Bavaria are at risk. This poses an enormous challenge for the region, as the future of thousands of families depends on ZF. (merkur: 28.08.25) High debt forces job cuts Automotive supplier ZF employs around 160,000 people worldwide. Despite its size,…
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France’s budget deficit raises risk for IMF intervention – political crisis shakes markets
France is mired in a government crisis closely linked to its high budget deficit. Investors are reacting nervously as the minority government of Prime Minister François Bayrou looms. The looming loss of confidence recently triggered a massive selloff in the financial markets. Both stocks and French bonds fell significantly, while risk premiums rose. This brings…
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Change of course in energy supply – Sweden reactivates uranium mining
Sweden is planning a restart of uranium mining. Starting in January 2026, the ban that has prevented any production will be lifted. This paves the way for new nuclear power plants and a more stable energy supply. The goal remains to reduce dependence on energy imports and to pursue a self-determined nuclear policy. (nucnet: 28.08.25)…
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Bankruptcies drive Sweden’s wind power operators to the brink of collapse
In Sweden, bankruptcies in the wind power industry are on the rise. Numerous operators are slipping into the red because cheap electricity is destroying their cost-benefit analysis. At the same time, the projects are burdened with high debts, causing international investors to lose confidence. This increases the threat to the entire European energy transition. (deutsche-wirtschafts-nachrichten:…
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Biogas massively increases heating costs
Biogas is considered a sustainable alternative to natural gas, but heating costs for consumers are rising significantly. While those who opt for biomethane benefit from climate advantages, high gas prices put a strain on household budgets. According to Verivox, the premium for tariffs with 65 percent biomethane is around 15 cents per kilowatt hour compared…
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Cars lose access to Aral Pulse truck charging stations
As of September 1, 2025, Aral Pulse will close its truck charging stations for passenger cars. The 25 charging points in Germany will then be exclusively available to electric trucks. The trade publication Electrive cites an email that customers received. The particularly generous space and the ability to drive up to the charging stations from…
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Schaeffler cuts hundreds of jobs in Schweinfurt and closes plant in North Rhine-Westphalia
The automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler announces massive downsizing in Schweinfurt. Almost 600 jobs will be eliminated. Administration and indirect areas are particularly affected. At the same time, the company is relocating a production facility from North Rhine-Westphalia to Franconia. While new jobs will be created in Schweinfurt, the overall job losses will significantly outweigh…
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228 chemicals from offshore wind farms threaten the sea
A recent study sheds new light on offshore wind farms. Experts identified 228 potential chemicals that could enter the sea from the turbines and thus cause significant environmental pollution. 62 of these are considered to be of particular environmental relevance. These substances are on the list of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Among them are…
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Split into electricity price zones threatens to tear Germany apart
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…
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20 percent of jobs in German mechanical engineering at risk
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…
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Car industry increases pressure – postponement of combustion engine ban demanded
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…
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EnBW charging stations in Stuttgart – electricity only with parking ticket
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…
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Subsidies for solar plants under fire – RWE and E.ON call for a change of course
“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…