(de-news.net) – At their meeting in Berlin, the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition leaders placed energy policy at the center of their deliberations, emphasizing industrial relief from electricity costs as a crucial priority. The discussions are part of a broader governmental initiative aimed at reducing production expenses and strengthening the competitiveness of German industry.
To support energy-intensive businesses, the coalition resolved to introduce a subsidized industrial electricity tariff between 2026 and 2028. The adopted bill extends the reduced electricity tax for the manufacturing sector as well as for agriculture and forestry to the EU minimum rate of 50 cents per megawatt hour, a level designed to ease the burden on companies with high consumption and to help them remain viable in global competition. Without legislative action, these reductions would have expired in 2026, potentially undermining investment conditions. By maintaining rates at the EU minimum, the government aims to preserve favorable economic circumstances and prevent deterioration in the competitiveness of key sectors. Negotiations with the European Commission were reported to be nearly complete, and approval was expected to follow, ensuring the legal framework for implementation.
Beyond price relief, the coalition presented a comprehensive power plant strategy intended to guarantee supply stability during periods when renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are insufficient. This plan includes the tendering of eight gigawatts of controllable capacity in 2026, scheduled to become operational by 2031. The facilities will primarily consist of new gas-fired plants, which are to be designed with the capability of later conversion to hydrogen, thereby aligning with long-term decarbonization goals. The strategy was described as a structural safeguard to ensure that Germany’s electricity demand can be met reliably under varying conditions.
Additional reforms were also outlined in the field of electromobility. These include simplified regulatory procedures for charging infrastructure, the removal of complex case-by-case examinations for innovative business models within charging stations, and the establishment of clear rules for bidirectional charging. Such measures are intended to prevent electric vehicle users from being classified as energy suppliers or tax debtors. Furthermore, the government committed to avoiding double taxation of electricity storage, thereby encouraging the expansion of storage technologies essential for balancing renewable supply.
A reduction in the airline ticket tax constituted a central point of discussion. The ruling coalition has announced its intention to implement this measure effective July 1, 2026. Chancellor Merz underscored the government’s commitment by referencing an anticipated 350 million euros in support for Germany’s aviation sector. Any shortfall in tax revenue resulting from this provision will be recorded within the transportation budget. It is noteworthy that, on July 1, 2024, the aircraft tax had previously been increased significantly.
Ralph Beisel, Chief Executive Officer of the airport association ADV, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a crucial and urgent signal for the German aviation industry. The BDL, represented by its CEO Dr. Joachim Lang, expressed similar approval, emphasizing that the government had honored its pledge and halted the persistent upward trend of aviation taxes and fees. Lufthansa further acknowledged that the administration had recognized the seriousness of the matter.
In contrast, Martin Kaiser, leader of Greenpeace, criticized the government for granting tax and price concessions to fossil fuel companies at a time when the World Climate Conference in Brazil is striving to achieve reductions in global CO₂ emissions.
