Germany extends electricity price aid to 2,200 companies

The German Ministry of Economy plans to significantly expand aid aimed at reducing industrial electricity costs, increasing eligible companies from 350 to 2,200, at an estimated cost of €4bn ($4.7bn).

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

The German Ministry of Economy is preparing a major expansion of aid aimed at reducing electricity costs for the industrial sector. According to sources close to the matter quoted by the Financial Times on July 6, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche wishes to substantially increase the number of companies eligible…

The German Ministry of Economy is preparing a major expansion of aid aimed at reducing electricity costs for the industrial sector. According to sources close to the matter quoted by the Financial Times on July 6, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche wishes to substantially increase the number of companies eligible for this programme, from 350 to 2,200.

A cost estimated at €4bn over three years

The proposal mainly targets energy-intensive industries, notably including the chemicals, plastics, and glass sectors. According to estimates reported by the British daily, the total cost of the programme would be approximately €4bn ($4.7bn). This amount would finance up to 50% of electricity costs borne by these companies over a three-year period.

This initiative comes after the Finance Ministry introduced its budget framework for 2026, initially limiting aid to only the industrial, agriculture, and forestry sectors. This limitation had excluded many companies considered ineligible due to budget constraints.

Compliance with new European regulations

According to a statement from the German Ministry of Economy reported by the financial daily, these expanded measures would align with recent rules established by the European Union (EU). Indeed, these rules allow up to 2,200 companies classified as “energy-intensive and exposed to international competition” to benefit from financial assistance covering up to half of their electricity costs.

However, the ministry specified that this concept was still under development. No further details on the precise criteria for beneficiary selection or exact implementation timetable have yet been communicated.

Multiplier effect through value chains

The ministry emphasised that sectors targeted by this aid have a significant multiplier effect across the entire economy through their extensive value chains. The aid has been qualified as “quick and reliable” by ministerial sources cited by the Financial Times, aiming to stabilise these essential industrial sectors and maintain their competitiveness in international markets.

Katherina Reiche announced last month her intention to present a concrete proposal regarding this measure before the summer holidays. The German Ministry of Economy expects the scheme to be implemented by the end of the year.

The U.S. Department of Energy has extended until November the emergency measures aimed at ensuring the stability of Puerto Rico’s power grid against overload risks and recurring outages.
Under threat of increased U.S. tariffs, New Delhi is accelerating its energy independence strategy to reduce reliance on imports, particularly Russian oil.
With a new $800 million investment agreement, Tsingshan expands the Manhize steel plant and generates an energy demand of more than 500 MW, forcing Zimbabwe to accelerate its electricity strategy.
U.S. electric storage capacity will surge 68% this year according to Cleanview, largely offsetting the slowdown in solar and wind projects under the Trump administration.
A nationwide blackout left Iraq without electricity for several hours, affecting almost the entire country due to record consumption linked to an extreme heatwave.
Washington launches antidumping procedures against three Asian countries. Margins up to 190% identified. Final decisions expected April 2026 with major supply chain impacts.
Revenues generated by oil and gas in Russia recorded a significant decrease in July, putting direct pressure on the country’s budget balance according to official figures.
U.S. electricity consumption reached unprecedented levels in the last week of July, driven by a heatwave and the growth of industrial activity.
The New York Power Authority targets nearly 7GW of capacity with a plan featuring 20 renewable projects and 156 storage initiatives, marking a new phase for public investment in the State.
French Guiana plans to achieve a fully decarbonised power mix by 2027, driven by the construction of a biomass plant and expansion of renewable energy on its territory.
The progress of national targets for renewable energy remains marginal, with only a 2% increase since COP28, threatening the achievement of the tripling of capacity by 2030 and impacting energy security.
A Department of Energy report states that US actions on greenhouse gases would have a limited global impact, while highlighting a gap between perceptions and the economic realities of global warming.
Investments in renewable energy across the Middle East and North Africa are expected to reach USD59.9 bn by 2030, fuelled by national strategies, the rise of solar, green hydrogen, and new regional industrial projects.
Global electricity demand is projected to grow steadily through 2026, driven by industrial expansion, data centres, electric mobility and air conditioning, with increasing contributions from renewables, natural gas and nuclear power.
Kenya registers a historic record in electricity consumption, driven by industrial growth and a strong contribution from geothermal and hydropower plants operated by Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC.
Final energy consumption in the European industrial sector dropped by 5% in 2023, reaching a level not seen in three decades, with renewables taking a growing role in certain key segments.
Réseau de transport d’électricité is planning a long-term modernisation of its infrastructure. A national public debate will begin on September 4 to address implementation methods, challenges and conditions.
The Spanish Parliament has rejected a package of reforms aimed at preventing another major power outage, plunging the national energy sector into uncertainty and revealing the fragility of the government's majority.
The U.S. government has supported Argentina’s request for a temporary suspension of an order to hand over its stake in YPF, a 16.1 billion USD judgment aimed at satisfying creditors.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency extends compliance deadlines for coal-fired power plant operators regarding groundwater monitoring and the closure of waste ponds.
Consent Preferences