Minister Altmaier: The energy transition is a modernisation strategy for Europe

Federal Minister Peter Altmaier is attending the Energy Council in Brussels today. On this occasion, the new European Commission will be presenting its prioritiies for the energy sector, which is to play a key role in the success of the European Green Deal announced by the Commission.

In the run-up to the Council meeting, Economic Affairs Minister Peter Altmaier said: “The energy transition is not only a key factor in achieving greenhouse gas neutrality in Europe, but is also a modernisation strategy for our companies. For this purpose, it is essential that we do not lose sight of the security and affordability of energy supply and the competitiveness of the European economy. In addition, we must involve the citizens and ensure broad public acceptance of the energy transition. In my view, priority for the future development of the EU legal framework in the energy sector must be given to the further expansion of joint offshore wind energy projects, the development of the gas market design and the promotion of sector coupling.”

On the morning of the Energy Council, there was a meeting of the Energy Ministers of the North Seas countries and the European Commission. As from January 2020, Germany will assume the presidency of the North Seas Energy Cooperation. The North Seas Energy Cooperation is a cross-border cooperation between ten European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and the European Commission to expand offshore wind energy and the offshore grid infrastructure.