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The pivot away from Russian energy imports will require Germany to double down on its energy transition efforts and apply a speed similar to that of Tesla with its new factory near Berlin, Green Party economy and climate minister Robert Habeck said at a press conference following a meeting with state minister colleagues. 鈥淲e cannot continue at our dozy pace,鈥� Habeck said, arguing that the fast construction of Tesla鈥檚 European flagship gigafactory set an example of how ambitious large-scale energy transition projects can be implemented quickly. The construction of new renewable power installations, of grid and hydrogen infrastructure but also of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals would have to happen at a similar speed.

The US carmaker鈥檚 gigafactory has been planned and built in just about three years, sparking a debate in the country about the hurdles that bureaucracy and hesitancy pose for the energy transition. The minister defended Germany鈥檚 careful treading regarding a full halt to energy trading with Russia after its attack on Ukraine, arguing that a complete halt to trading would 鈥渘ot mean just inconveniences at the individual level but immense damages to the entire society that ultimately could undermine other sanctions鈥� against Russia. With a view to calls for suspending trade not only in gas but also oil and other energy carriers, Habeck said 鈥渞ash decisions could mean we cannot sustain the sanctions.鈥� Things would be different if Russia decided to cut energy supplies by itself, which would mean citizens would understand they cannot exert pressure on the government to lift sanctions, the minister argued. Habeck said the government would now make every effort to reduce dependence on Russia. 鈥淏ut as long as there鈥檚 no sufficient wiggle room, we run the real risk of underserving certain sectors of the economy.鈥�

The Green politician said it would now be clear that 鈥渞enewables make a contribution to Europe鈥檚 security鈥� and that efforts to reduce consumption, increase efficiency and electrify more sectors would have to be greatly stepped up. While Habeck鈥檚 ministry (BMWK) together with the environment ministry (BMVU) had ruled out the extension of the runtime of Germany鈥檚 remaining nuclear plants, the minister said things could look different in the coal sector. 鈥淓very coal plant we take offline from now on will first move into a capacity reserve,鈥� he said, arguing that 鈥渟upply security currently tops all other concerns.鈥� However, he said he was confident that possible additional emissions by coal plants that operate longer than planned could eventually be compensated for with faster renewables expansion. Habeck added that the government would also consider options for aiding struggling customers with support payments, saying that a special taxation of energy companies鈥� windfall gains in the current price hike could be on the cards, even though 鈥渢his would be an intervention not seen before.鈥�

Earlier this week, Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly rejected the idea to cancel energy trading with Russia entirely, arguing that imports are still 鈥渆ssential鈥� for supply security in both Germany and Europe. US president聽聽from Russia, including oil, gas and coal, even if the country鈥檚 European allies decide to not go as far just yet. Instead, the European Commission on Tuesday said it was determined to quickly wean the continent off of Russian energy, arguing imports could be slashed by two-thirds already this year and phased out entirely 鈥渨ell before 2030.鈥�