From Blackout News

The energy supply in Germany is facing critical months. Christoph Müller, head of the transmission system operator Amprion, expects power shutdowns and very high electricity prices. At the same time, he doubts the coal phase-out and sees the energy transition endangered by a lack of power plant capacities. The situation is under control, but by no means stable. Companies, households and hospitals must prepare for hard cuts (faz: 03.09.25).

Targeted power shutdowns in autumn

Müller describes how predefined groups could experience power outages of around an hour and a half. During this time, hospitals resort to emergency power and postpone operations, supermarkets close their doors, while industrial companies stop production lines. Such power shutdowns threaten not only in dark doldrums, but also in phases of strong sunlight and strong winds.

These risks illustrate why new power plants are urgently needed. Without additional capacity, grid stability and the energy transition will falter. After the nuclear and coal phase-out, particularly flexible gas-fired power plants are considered the key to closing an impending supply gap.

Lack of capacity and rising electricity prices

A recent report by the Federal Network Agency confirms the concerns. By 2035, the nuclear and coal phase-out will mean a shortage of up to 22.4 gigawatts of controllable capacity, possibly as much as 35.5 gigawatts. The energy transition is thus in danger of stalling. Müller emphasizes that the next two winters are still manageable, but extreme electricity prices are already weighing on the economy.

His conclusion is sober: “Our actions are appropriate to the situation, but not pretty.” He is particularly skeptical about the coal phase-out. “I don’t think we can still manage the coal phase-out.” Despite the formal achievement of the target in 2028, there is a lack of viable alternatives. Doubts about the coal phase-out are adding to the uncertainty.

Nuclear power and political debates

Müller strictly rejects nuclear power. “We should finally forget all these nuclear energy dreams.” The approval takes 15 years, the construction another 15 years – far too long to help against rising electricity prices or impending power shutdowns.

The political discussion is also exacerbating the situation. Müller describes Katherina Reiche’s assessment as overheated and unbalanced. In his view, the debate about personal attributions distracts from the actual goal of the energy transition.

Coal phase-out confronts grid operators with harsh reality

Although Müller does not expect a large-scale blackout, he sees the grid under pressure. Although the grid operators’ toolbox is large, power shutdowns always directly affect the economy and consumers. Forecasts are reliable, but the interventions remain painful.

The energy transition, the coal phase-out and the growing dependence on fluctuating renewables are forcing difficult decisions. Without massive investments in controllable power plants, there is a risk of a turbulent winter. This brings the danger of selective power shutdowns closer, which have long since ceased to be the exception. This creates a scenario in which blackouts, rising electricity prices and a faltering coal phase-out could become reality at the same time.