German Plans for Gas Power Face New Hurdles Over Renewables

Germany’s plan to build a fleet of gas-fired power plants is coming under pressure from Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s junior coalition partner over concerns that a push for renewable energy may be set back, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The center-left Social Democrats, who govern with Merz, aim to block several energy initiatives, including the gas draft law being prepared by the Economy Ministry, the people said on condition of anonymity as the talks are private. The SPD-led finance and environment ministries will withhold approval unless the legislation secures carve-outs for renewables elsewhere, they said.