An energy expert on the German left, Klaus Ernst, has renewed his call for the federal government to talk to Russia about securing gas supplies to Germany. The chairman of the Energy Commission in the Bundestag made it clear on Thursday that Russian gas cannot be replaced.
On the German TV channel ARS, Ernst sharply criticized the federal government for its energy policy. In his view, Berlin is doing too little to secure the energy supply. He “didn’t care” which lines the energy flowed through, Ernst said.
Criticism of Minister Habeck
“With us (Economics Minister Robert) Habeck drives everywhere, but not where the gas is,” Ernst said, warning of the consequences of a supply stop for the German economy. “No one can fill the shortfall we would have if Russian gas stopped flowing.” The sanctions would also only hurt Germany, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is the beneficiary – thanks to higher prices.
Ernst is controversial in his own ranks as an energy and climate politician. At the beginning of July, he had already called on the federal government to do everything possible to secure energy supplies – and if necessary to talk with Moscow about a limited commissioning of the Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2.
In Germany, the gas crisis mainly affects the metal and chemical industries
Gas rationing in Germany would hit metal production and processing, the chemical industry and the paper industry the hardest. “However, significant damage cannot be ruled out in other, less energy-intensive but economically more important sectors – due to the lack of precursors,” said the Foundation for Family Businesses in a ZEW analysis on Thursday. Sectors such as textiles or ceramics are very dependent on the gas.
Since the war in Ukraine, Germany has become less dependent on energy supplies from Russia, especially for gas. After a 10-day maintenance break, gas is flowing again through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
