29.07.2026 – "The economic transformation is stalling because electricity costs are too high, and companies often have to wait a very long time for grid connections. This is hampering the energy transition. To break this vicious cycle, renewable energy expansion and electrification within companies must align.

In particular, the network package contains promising approaches. The proposed regulations create more binding rules, speeding up grid connections. By improving control, using digital processes, and integrating grids more strategically, bottlenecks can be addressed earlier, and investments can be planned more efficiently. However, binding processing deadlines and criteria for prioritising requests by grid operators are missing. The criteria should include location dependency, land ownership, and applicants' financial proof. 

Moreover, it is incomprehensible that new generation plants continue to be state-funded in areas with low grid capacity. To limit the rise in grid fees, generation plants should be primarily expanded where grid capacity exists. Grid operators also need to step on the accelerator with grid expansion and digitalisation, eliminating bottlenecks. 

The EEG amendment overall falls short of what is possible. Today, renewable energies are largely competitive. Now it is time for them to increasingly stand on their own feet: This requires a clear path into the market, not a transition to Contracts for Difference (CfD), which hinder further market integration as they also cut off revenue opportunities. The switch to direct supply contracts, so-called Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), is also complicated, which impedes operational climate neutrality in industry and commerce. Funding should, therefore, if at all, be limited to investment grants."