Covid-19: Altmaier backs offshore wind and its potential role in recovery

Speaking during a video conference with EU energy ministers, the main focus of which was the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the energy sector, Mr Altmaier said he anticipated that the European Green Deal would play a central role in the economic recovery after the pandemic.

He said the European Green Deal would be “an important growth strategy” if it specifically incentivises investment in new technology and “advances them in such a way that we increase our competitiveness and secure jobs.

“I see great potential here, for example, in joint offshore wind projects between EU member states, in the area of green hydrogen and in investment in energy efficiency and renewable heat,” the Minister said.

“We can give the energy transition a significant boost while at the same time providing for investment and economic growth.”

Mr Altmaier said he also wants to advance some of these topics within the framework of the German EU Council Presidency 2020.

The Federal Minister also highlighted that security of energy supply in Germany and Europe needs to be guaranteed after the pandemic is over. “Close exchange between the EU countries makes sense and is necessary,” he said.

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