Energy Crisis Forces Faster Shift to Renewables, Minister Warns Airlines

Environment Minister Schneider described the situation as a shock to economic growth, warning that the federal government was determined to contain the fallout from the crisis—including preventing a surge in unemployment.

He firmly rejected calls from the aviation industry for a tax break on kerosene or a temporary suspension of emissions trading. "The state cannot solve every problem with money—it would simply overwhelm us," Schneider stated. Instead, he urged airlines to stop acting as if business could continue as usual with fossil fuels. "They must do everything possible to transition to sustainable aviation fuels," he said, adding, "And Lufthansa, in particular, still has a long way to go."

The lesson from the Iran conflict, he argued, must be to accelerate the expansion of renewable energy as quickly as possible. "This is the clear response to an international crisis—the worst energy crisis we have ever faced," Schneider emphasized.

The SPD politician also expressed skepticism about whether Economic Affairs Minister Katherina Reiche's proposed reforms for the energy transition would be implemented as presented. "These are just proposals, not laws yet," he noted. "The energy transition must be affordable, yes—but above all, it must be sped up."