The recent throttling of Russian gas supplies is causing prices to continue to rise.
RWE boss Markus Krebber expects electricity and gas to remain expensive for several years.
Essen – Russia significantly reduced its gas supplies to Germany and other European countries last week.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) described the situation as serious.
RWE boss Markus Krebber is also concerned about the recent cutback in Russian gas supplies.
After throttling of Russian gas supplies: RWE boss expects higher prices
"The situation is currently getting worse," Krebber told the
Süddeutsche Zeitung
.
For the first time, buyers of Russian gas would no longer be fully supplied across the board.
"We also get significantly less than the agreed amounts," said the head of the energy company.
RWE operates gas and coal-fired power plants in Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands - and now has to "buy the fuel at significantly higher and further increasing prices" in order to meet delivery obligations.
Krebber expects electricity and gas to remain expensive for years to come as a result of Russia's attack on Ukraine.
"It will probably take three to five years," he told the
Süddeutsche Zeitung
.
Because it takes time "until new capacities are created and other countries can supply additional energy".
RWE boss for temporary reactivation of coal-fired power plants
The RWE boss spoke out in this context for a temporary reactivation of coal-fired power plants in order to save scarce and expensive natural gas.
"In the electricity sector, additional coal-fired power plants should be running instead of gas-fired power plants as soon as possible," Krebber told the
Süddeutsche Zeitung
.
There is now an incentive everywhere to reduce gas consumption.
"That applies to industry and households," said Krebber.
"Everywhere where you can switch to other energy sources, this should happen."
Krebber believes it is feasible to bring forward the phase-out of coal in Germany to 2030, provided that networks, renewable energies and so-called back-up power plants for phases with little wind and sun are expanded more quickly.
Nevertheless, the RWE boss is sticking to the fact that RWE wants to excavate the old town of Lützerath in the Rhineland in the coming year in order to expand the Garzweiler II opencast lignite mine.
"Planned open pit mine progress is important, especially as we prepare for gas-saving scenarios," he said.
(lma/AFP)
