A rapid expansion of renewables and power grids, as well as efforts to better adapt demand to fluctuating power generation, are essential to securing a stable electricity supply in Germany, the country's Federal Network Agency said. Delays would increase the need for new power plants that are independent of the weather to keep the lights on through 2035. In response, the energy industry stressed the importance of staying on track with the energy transition and called for the swift introduction of a capacity market and auctions for new power plants.

Capacity mechanisms are financial support measures designed to make sure there are reliable options for a secure supply of electricity at all times. In short, capacity providers – that is electricity generators, storage operators, and also flexible consumers – are paid to keep a buffer available (in the form of capacity) to help mitigate risks to the electricity system, particularly at times when demand is highest (peak demand) or, for example, during dark doldrums (so-called Dunkelflaute events, when there is both little wind and sunshine for an extended period).