German trade unionists have called for the rapid expansion of renewables to help keep power prices low and attract industry to the country.
IG Metall Coast said it wants an electricity price set for businesses as is being discussed at the federal and state level.
“If we don’t want to drive industry out of the country, we need a model in Germany that ensures competitive prices for energy-intensive companies such as steelworks or refineries during the transition,” said Daniel Friedrich, district manager of IG Metall Coast at a rally on the day of the Work on Monday in Kiel.
“Without industry, we are missing an important anchor for prosperity in our country.”
Lower electricity prices are also needed to enable the Northvolt battery plant to settle in Heide, he said
“This requires the rapid and massive expansion of renewable energies, but also an instrument for the transition,” said Freidrich.
“Lower Saxony is leading the way with its proposal for a transformation electricity price. In the interest of the industry and the jobs that depend on it, the northerners should now all put pressure on Berlin together,” said the trade unionist.