Germany's gas power plant dispute pits east against west in energy transition
Federal Economy Minister Katharina Reiche is facing strong opposition over her plans for new gas-fired power plants. During an August 2025 visit to LEAG’s Schwarze Pumpe site in Lusatia, she promised to build facilities in the region. But critics now argue the draft law fails to support eastern Germany’s energy needs.
The dispute centres on the Electricity Supply Security Act, which currently favours construction in the 'grid-technical south' of the country.
LEAG, a major energy company, intends to build gas plants that could later switch to hydrogen. The move aims to secure jobs for workers after coal operations end. However, the firm’s works council accused Reiche of bias against eastern Germany. They demanded she ensure gas plants are built in the east to protect local employment.
Brandenburg’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has also objected to the draft law. Officials insist that one-third of new long-term capacity must be located in the 'grid-technical north' to maintain supply security. The ministry warns that without this guarantee, the region’s energy transition could falter. Left Party MP Christian Görke echoed these concerns. He stressed that Lusatia’s energy shift might collapse if no new reserves are created in eastern energy regions. The draft law does include a regional steering mechanism, but critics say it does not go far enough to address the imbalance. Reiche’s visit to Schwarze Pumpe had initially raised hopes for local investment. Yet the current proposals prioritise southern Germany, leaving eastern states at risk of falling behind in the transition.
The controversy highlights tensions between national policy and regional needs. Brandenburg’s government and LEAG’s workforce are pushing for changes to the draft law. Without adjustments, eastern Germany could face job losses and energy shortages as coal plants close.
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