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Berlin abandons TenneT takeover for budgetary reasons

The German government has decided not to acquire the German subsidiary of TenneT, the Dutch electricity grid operator, due to budgetary constraints. This reversal complicates Germany's energy transition.

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Financement transition énergétique Allemagne

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Germany’s energy transition relies on a robust infrastructure to transport electricity from wind turbines in the north to consumers in the south. TenneT, a key player in this field, is valued at around €20 billion. The takeover of TenneT Germany by the German state-owned bank KfW was envisaged as a way of strengthening this essential infrastructure. However, the negotiations ended in failure due to budgetary constraints. This decision is a significant setback for Berlin, which was counting on this acquisition to consolidate its energy projects.

Financial and political repercussions

The decision of the German Federal Constitutional Court in November 2023 created a deficit of 60 billion euros, exacerbating the budget crisis. Finance Minister Christian Lindner has stepped up austerity measures to comply with the constitutional rule limiting debt. These measures led to the abandonment of the buyout project. Robert Habeck, Minister for Economic Affairs, expressed his disappointment at the failure of the negotiations. Berlin is now considering a minority stake in TenneT via a consortium, as an alternative to a full takeover.

Financing prospects for TenneT

For TenneT Holding, this situation imposes new financial constraints. The Group must now turn to the public or private capital markets to finance its activities in Germany. The Dutch government, the main shareholder, recently granted a €25 billion loan to support the group in 2024 and 2025. This support is crucial to maintain TenneT’s operations, but the need for long-term financing remains pressing. Strengthening the electricity infrastructure is essential for Germany’s energy transition and security of supply.

Conclusion and future prospects

Berlin’s abandonment of the TenneT takeover marks a major blow for Germany’s energy transition. However, alternative options, such as a minority shareholding, offer a glimmer of hope. Cooperation between the Dutch and German governments will be crucial to finding viable financing solutions and ensuring the success of the transition to renewable energies.

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