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Climate impact of hydrogen trucks – study warns against green promises and costly missteps
Trucks consume around one-fifth of the world’s total oil, and at the same time, EU heavy goods vehicles are responsible for a large share of transport-related CO₂ emissions. Therefore, the climate impact of hydrogen trucks is becoming increasingly important. However, the origin and logistics of the hydrogen remain crucial, because only green hydrogen combined with
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Cyberattack on Poland’s energy system – government reports near-blackout
Poland successfully thwarted a cyberattack on its energy system at the end of December, according to the government. The power grid was under extreme strain and on the verge of a blackout. Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski told radio station RMF FM that the situation was tense and remained stable only thanks
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Schwäbisch Gmünd: 60% increase in district heating and a €30 million deficit at the municipal utilities
In Schwäbisch Gmünd, the Bettringen district heating network is becoming a financial burden. Following a planned tariff increase, district heating prices could rise by 60 percent. At the same time, the debate surrounding a 30-million-euro budget shortfall at the municipal utility company is intensifying. (remszeitung: 17.01.26) Schwäbisch Gmünd: 30 Million Euros and the Question of
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Heat pumps – subsidies in 2026 only if stricter noise limits are met
Since the beginning of 2026, owners of heat pumps have only been eligible for government subsidies if they comply with new noise limits. The federal government aims to reduce noise conflicts in residential areas, as many complaints originate from the outdoor unit. Anyone hoping to secure heat pump subsidies should therefore check how quiet the
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KTM is cutting 500 jobs – restructuring after insolvency affects employees and managers
Motorcycle manufacturer KTM, based in Mattighofen, Upper Austria, is known for its off-road, street, and racing models. The company is intensifying job cuts as part of its restructuring following insolvency, eliminating another 500 positions. A job foundation is intended to serve as a safety net for these affected employees. (t-online: 15.01.26) KTM to Cut Jobs
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Parts of the CDU want to redefine the term “climate neutral”
Within the CDU, there are efforts to redefine the term “climate neutral.” Two influential party organizations are driving this: the MIT, the CDU/CSU’s SME and Economic Union, and the CDA, the Christian Democratic Employees’ Association, the union’s labor wing. Both want to define “climate neutral” so that it no longer means net zero, but rather
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Three hydrogen production projects in Saarland have failed
The German government aims to make hydrogen readily available. In Saarland, however, this plan has suffered a significant setback, as the three planned hydrogen production projects in Völklingen, Saarlouis, and Perl will not be implemented. The decisive factors are high electricity prices, a lack of large-scale consumers, and regulations that make investing in electrolyzers in
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€1.2 billion write-down – EnBW withdraws from British offshore wind farms
EnBW is withdrawing from the British offshore wind farm projects Mona and Morgan. This brings its involvement in the Irish Sea to a temporary end. A write-down of €1.2 billion will be recorded in the 2025 financial statements, as the company has already invested heavily in the projects. Without government subsidies, the wind farms are
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The German Armed Forces are practicing a strategic withdrawal in Greenland.
The German Armed Forces arrived in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday evening, January 16, 2026. Shortly afterward, Trump announced tariffs against participating European countries. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, they unexpectedly and without explanation withdrew. The withdrawal thus occurred after approximately 44 hours. The mission was intended to examine the framework for potential contributions to Arctic
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Unemployment in executive suites is exploding: Why more and more managers are losing their jobs
In Germany, the number of unemployed managers rose significantly in 2025 because companies reduced costs and streamlined hierarchies through restructuring. Furthermore, staff reductions, a weak economy, and a tighter labor market noticeably exacerbated the situation for managers as well. (handelsblatt: 13.01.26) Executives particularly affected Many corporations launched restructuring programs in 2025, eliminating entire management teams
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Car crisis in Baden-Württemberg: Greens lose their footing – Özdemir’s emergency program
Baden-Württemberg is heading towards the state elections in March, but the tone has shifted. The Green state government no longer stands for stability, but rather for a record that many see as a contributing factor to the current political imbalance. At the same time, Cem Özdemir needs to generate attention in the southwest, even though
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Number of pharmacies falls to lowest level since 1977
Having a pharmacy around the corner seems like a given, but pharmacies are becoming increasingly rare. At the end of 2025, Germany had only 16,601 locations, 440 fewer than the year before. The ABDA (Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists) cites several factors driving this decline, as costs, fees, staffing, and mail-order pharmacies are
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Paperwork paralyzes businesses – how the skilled trades suffer under bureaucracy and regulations
Tedious and pointless paperwork dominates the daily operations of many businesses. Instead of productive work, administrative burdens are increasing. This hits the skilled trades particularly hard, as small businesses are prevalent. As a result, orders are delayed, deadlines are postponed, and costs rise along the supply chain. Although the government constantly promises to reduce bureaucracy,
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Power outages, drones, sabotage – how vulnerable Germany’s critical infrastructure is
Germany’s critical infrastructure is under pressure, as series of power outages, a potential blackout, and drone espionage combine to create a complex mix of risks. At the same time, redundancy to mitigate individual failures is lacking in many places. A single network outage is now enough to cause all communication chains to collapse. (thepioneer: 10.01.26)
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Hydrogen pipeline without customers – why the costs end up on the electricity bill
Germany has made a central hydrogen pipeline, spanning approximately 400 kilometers, operational, but it lacks connected suppliers and firm purchase agreements. This will lead to long-term increases in electricity prices because fixed capital costs flow back into the energy system. Simultaneously, grid fees will rise as financing is secured through regulated returns. This effect is