EU energy chief warns against German renewable subsidy cuts

Report of a speech by European Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger at the the annual Handelsblatt Renewable Energy conference on the 25 August 2013.

EurActiv reported that he warned that Germany should not introduce cuts to already guaranteed renewable subsidies, saying that such a move would seriously hurt investor confidence.

The European Commission was preparing to review EU rules governing energy subsidies. The new state aid guidelines for the energy sector were expected to be unveiled after the German federal election in September 2013.

Subsequently, the German Commissioner also said that Germany should not dismiss gas fracking technology that has boosted US industry, nor unilaterally overexpose itself to climate protection efforts.

EurActiv, 04.09.13: Oettinger advises Germany on fracking, warns of climate overacting http://www.euractiv.com/energy/oettinger-advises-germany-fracki-news-530218

Handelsblatt, 10.09.13: Plan B for green energy (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/4129621-plan-b-green-energy

Der Spiegel, 13.09.13: Energy, an election issue and luxury (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/4141321-energy-election-issue-and-luxury

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