BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The Federal Ministry of Economics has presented proposals for reforming the electricity system in Germany. A new so-called capacity mechanism, which is to be introduced by 2028, is to be central to this. In a paper, the ministry's head of department Robert Habeck (Greens) presented various models.

In future, renewable energies from wind and solar power should cover the majority of the electricity supply. However, there are also "dark doldrums" when there is no wind and no sunshine. This is when so-called "flexible" power plants such as new gas-fired power plants and storage facilities are to step in as back-ups - to ensure a secure power supply at all times. They should also compensate for seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy generation.

Incentives for drivers of electric cars

However, these "controllable loads" may only run for a few hours a year. Suppliers are now to be rewarded via a capacity mechanism in the course of tenders for providing power plant capacities - even if they do not produce any electricity.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs named four fields of action in a paper. In addition to the future reform of renewable energies, this also includes more flexibility in the use of electricity - in other words, incentives for users to charge their electric cars when electricity is cheap.

Electricity system in transition

A paper from the ministry states that Germany's electricity system is in the midst of a comprehensive modernization. Germany is to become climate-neutral by 2045. Solar and wind are increasingly becoming the main sources of electricity generation. The phase is now beginning in which it should be possible to cover the electricity supply completely with renewable energies, in which a "massive electrification" of the energy supply in the heating and transport sectors is imminent and coal, oil and gas are finally being phased out as fossil energy sources.

The aim of the "electricity market design" of the future is a secure, affordable and climate-neutral electricity system. A public consultation on the proposals will initially take place until the end of August./hoe/DP/mis