The German federal elections will take place on 23 February 2025, following the collapse of the governing coalition amid the 2024 political crisis. This marks the fourth snap election in post-war Germany’s history, after those in 1972, 1983, and 2005.

International media outlets have projected that the CDU/CSU will lead the vote, with the AfD in second place and the SPD in third. In this context, energy policies and the development of renewables have become key issues in the campaign.

Each candidate and their party present a different vision for Germany’s energy future.

SPD – Olaf Scholz: Advocating for the Acceleration of Renewables

Current Chancellor and SPD leader Olaf Scholz emphasises the need to accelerate the energy transition. According to Scholz, “Germany must speed up the expansion of renewable energy. The energy transition is not just a climate issue but also a matter of independence and economic security.”

Under his government, the SPD has introduced measures to expand solar and wind power, aiming for 80% renewable energy generation by 2030. Scholz argues that increasing Germany’s reliance on renewables will reduce its vulnerability to energy crises like the one triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

CDU/CSU – Friedrich Merz: Renewables with Nuclear and Gas Support

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) candidate, Friedrich Merz, advocates for a pragmatic approach, combining renewables with other energy sources. In a recent interview, he stated, “Renewables are key, but we need a balanced transition that includes nuclear power and gas as a backup to ensure grid stability.”

The CDU/CSU aims to reverse Germany’s nuclear phase-out and expand the use of natural gas while supporting renewable energy growth. Merz has criticised the Scholz government’s energy transition strategy, arguing that eliminating traditional energy sources without clear alternatives risks destabilising the energy sector.

The Greens – Robert Habeck: An Uncompromising Energy Transition

Current Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and Green Party candidate Robert Habeck sees the energy transition as a top priority. He has stated that “Climate neutrality is non-negotiable. Every euro invested in renewables is a euro invested in Germany’s future and energy sovereignty.”

The Greens advocate for ending fossil fuel subsidies and increasing investment in wind and solar energy. Habeck has been one of the leading proponents of achieving climate neutrality by 2045 and has called for a rapid expansion of electricity grids to support renewable energy integration.

FDP – Christian Lindner: Market-Driven Renewables Expansion

Free Democratic Party (FDP) leader Christian Lindner promotes a market-based energy transition. At the FDP congress, he declared, “Renewables must expand through market incentives, not through regulations that hinder the competitiveness of our companies.”

The FDP opposes additional industry restrictions and proposes tax incentives to boost renewable energy expansion. Lindner insists that climate policy must align with economic growth and avoid imposing excessive financial burdens on businesses and consumers.

AfD – Alice Weidel: Criticism of the Renewable Energy Agenda

Far-right AfD candidate Alice Weidel is the most outspoken critic of current climate policies. In a recent interview, she claimed, “The obsession with renewable energy is harming our industry and driving up electricity costs. We must reconsider our strategy.”

The AfD proposes abandoning the European Green Deal and reintroducing fossil fuels as the backbone of Germany’s energy system. Weidel argues that excessive reliance on renewables and the phasing out of conventional energy sources has resulted in Germany having some of the highest electricity prices in Europe.

The Left – Jan van Aken & Heidi Reichinnek: A Socially Just Energy Transition

Die Linke candidates Jan van Aken and Heidi Reichinnek advocate for a socially equitable energy transition. Their party’s manifesto states, “The energy transition must be socially just. We cannot allow costs to fall on citizens while large corporations reap the benefits.”

The Left Party proposes progressive energy tariffs, increased state participation in renewable energy production, and free access to renewable energy for low-income households.

BSW – Sahra Wagenknecht: A Pragmatic Energy Transition

Leader of the newly formed BSW party, Sahra Wagenknecht, supports a less radical and more affordable energy transition. In a recent interview, she stated, “Renewable energy is important, but the transition must be realistic. People cannot be forced to pay higher bills while major corporations profit.”

The BSW proposes temporarily maintaining fossil fuel use until energy prices stabilise. Wagenknecht has criticised both the CDU and the SPD for their energy policies, arguing that the transition must not come at the expense of working-class economic well-being.

Energy Industry Recommendations for the Next Government

The German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) has issued key recommendations for the next government, emphasising the need for a clear and stable energy policy. One of its primary proposals is the faster expansion of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power, by reducing bureaucratic obstacles in permit approvals.

The BDEW also stresses the importance of modernising electricity grids to ensure that increased renewable energy production can be efficiently integrated. Additionally, the association calls for improved energy storage capacity and the digitalisation of the power system to maintain a stable supply.

A national hydrogen strategy is another crucial recommendation, as the BDEW sees hydrogen as a key solution for decarbonising industry. Finally, the association warns that energy policy must balance climate ambition with economic viability, avoiding excessive financial burdens on consumers and businesses.