Germany's four largest high-voltage transmission system operators (TSOs)—50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT, and TransnetBW—announced on Friday a funding requirement of approximately €17.03 billion ($18.43 billion) from the national budget to cover green electricity subsidies in 2025.
This substantial budgetary demand aligns with the federal government's shift to fully subsidize renewable energy surcharges, a move aimed at reducing the financial impact on consumers and businesses.
The TSOs projected an end-of-2024 account balance of €500 million, which, once deducted, brings the required funding to around €16.5 billion.
However, Finance Minister Christian Lindner's draft budget for 2025, prepared earlier in the year, earmarked only €15.9 billion, creating a projected shortfall. The gap, initially estimated at €12 billion, has now expanded to €13.5 billion following recent economic and tax projections.
Germany's transition to a budget-financed renewable energy levy marks a shift from partial funding through a surcharge, increasing the direct budget burden as the country accelerates its renewable energy targets.
