energy security
Habeck: More energy saving condition for relief package
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck is seen off at Doha Airport before he flies on to Abu Dhabi. Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Less gas and oil from Russia – but at the same time less energy in general. For economics minister Habeck, a reduction in consumption is an important contribution to striving for energy security.
Economics and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck sees more efforts to save energy as a condition for a relief package from the traffic light coalition in view of the high energy prices.
The Green politician, for example, called gas heating a “discontinued model”. Before he left Doha (Qatar) for Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), he said: “It is correct that people in Germany are once again relieved because of the high energy prices.”
This should be as targeted as possible – so that those who are really in need – private households and companies – are specifically addressed. “It should be a condition that the market signal is maintained when prices are reduced, i.e. that there is no invitation to consume even more energy.” One should not make the political mistake of relieving consumption in view of the high energy prices on the one hand, but not “addressing” consumption.
The Greens reject the fuel discount proposed by FDP leader Christian Lindner (FDP). A negotiating group of the SPD, Greens and FDP is discussing a relief package. After the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, energy and fuel prices rose sharply.
A relief in consumption is particularly important to him after the visit to Qatar, said Habeck. “We have made some progress in terms of security of supply for gas beyond Russian supplies.” Further successes will be achieved in converting the system to be climate-friendly. “But the less energy we consume, especially in the gas sector, the less challenging this situation is,” said Habeck. That is why the relief package must also be accompanied by economic relief from high energy consumption.
This applies above all to the areas in which gas is burned. “That means building renovation, that means no further installation of gas heating, that means that the achievable standards should also be laid down.” It is important that once a package has been agreed, there is a clear political mandate as to what is to be done next.
When asked when there should be a ban on the installation of new gas heating systems, Habeck did not want to give an exact year – this must be feasible and realizable. On the other hand, it should have a “quick effect”. It is a major change in energy policy that what was considered normal is a “discontinued model” for the future.
When asked if he was in favor of introducing a general speed limit on motorways, Habeck said: He personally was in favor of a speed limit, but was faithful to the contract. In the coalition negotiations, the FDP in particular spoke out against a speed limit.