Latest news with #RhinelandPalatinate
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Is being a Nazi ‘hip'? Germany's youth increasingly embrace far-right ideology
Germany is moving to the right again. This was not only made evident by February's election results, but it's also becoming more visible among ordinary folks, especially young people. February's snap vote, brought after the collapse of a centre-left administration, saw the conservative bloc come out on top ahead of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), which garnered its best-ever result in a federal vote amid discontent over immigration and the economy. The soaring support for the AfD, in a country where being far-right was long considered a no-go in light of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime, appears to be going hand in hand with a wider willingness to openly voice racist views. Thanks to social media, the far-right scene is able to better target young people, some of whom the irony of chanting Nazi slogans in a country that is responsible for the Holocaust appears to be lost. Domestic intelligence officials in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate say that right-wingers nowadays express their views more openly than they used to and are increasingly present on social media.
Reuters
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
Germany gives Vulcan Energy 104 million euros to produce clean lithium
BERLIN, July 22 (Reuters) - Start-up Vulcan ( opens new tab has received 104 million euros ($122 million) in German government grants to produce clean lithium, it said on Tuesday, as Berlin aims to boost electric vehicle output and reduce reliance on raw material imports. The grants, issued by the federal government and states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse, will go towards a project "designed to assist with building Germany's and Europe's critical raw materials supply chain resilience", said Vulcan. Germany's lithium demand could reach 170,000 metric tons annually by 2030, according to the German Raw Materials Agency. To meet its battery production needs, the country's auto industry currently depends on imports from Australia, Argentina, Chile, and China. But Germany could have enough lithium reserves to cover its domestic needs for several decades, a study by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources and the Fraunhofer IEG showed in March. Vulcan said last year its first large-scale industrial plant, with an expected annual output of 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide, enough for 500,000 electric vehicles, would be commissioned by the end of 2026. Vulcan is investing 690 million euros in the project. It will build a facility in Landau, Rhineland-Palatinate, extracting lithium chloride which will be converted into lithium hydroxide, a key component for lithium batteries production, in a facility near Frankfurt. The funding will be disbursed from October 1 over 36 months, the company said. Around 30% of state support will be co-financed by the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse, respectively, the economy ministry said. "In times of increasing geopolitical challenges, it is necessary to intensify efforts ... to open up alternative sources of raw materials for our domestic economy," Economy Ministry State Secretary Stefan Rouenhoff said in a statement. ($1 = 0.8548 euros)
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VERBUND and Fluence launch large-scale battery storage projects in Germany
VIENNA and ERLANGEN, Germany, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VERBUND has selected Fluence Energy GmbH, a subsidiary of Fluence Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLNC) ('Fluence'), a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage, operational services, and asset optimisation software, to build large scale battery-based storage systems that will achieve a total output of over 92 MW and a storage capacity of 186 MWh. These innovative energy storage solutions are designed to meet critical requirements of the electricity grid while also adhering to stringent noise protection regulations. The first project, a large battery storage facility in Weißenthurm-Kettig, Rhineland-Palatinate, will be implemented with a capacity of 50 MW and a storage capacity of 100 MWh. Another system with a capacity of 42.9 MW / 86.5 MWh is planned in Elsterberg-Coschütz, Saxony. Both projects benefit from a modular system approach, which is intended to help ensure improved performance and scalability. With this initiative, VERBUND and Fluence are focusing on forward-looking technologies to promote the integration of renewable energy sources and strengthen grid security. The expansion of wind and solar energy leads to significant fluctuations in the electricity grid, which battery storage can help balance. Through grid-supporting services, battery storage is designed to secure the distribution network and aid in the integration of renewable energy sources. By injecting energy, battery storage aims to reduce costs associated with the use of upstream grid infrastructure and voltage conversion through substations. Furthermore, excess energy produced by renewables can be utilised in the balancing energy market or the intraday market. With already 110 MW / 130 MWh in operational service across over a dozen locations, VERBUND is a significant player in the German battery storage market. The projects with Fluence bring VERBUND considerably closer to its goal of installing around 1 GW of storage capacity by 2030. Expertise and experience in noise protection and cybersecurity Fluence was selected due to its vast and global experience in large-scale battery storage and in-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape and specific requirements in Germany. Fluence convinced VERBUND with its advanced noise protection features, including the submission of a comprehensive noise report. It also showcased robust cybersecurity measures that align with stringent system security standards. Markus Meyer, Managing Director of Fluence Energy GmbH, commented: 'With projects totaling over 750 MW in construction or completed across Germany, Fluence is playing a key role in supporting a cost-efficient, reliable, and secure energy supply. The projects Weißenthurm-Kettig and Elsterberg-Coschütz mark another important step toward strengthening Germany's energy infrastructure. With decades of experience deploying high-performance systems that meet strict technical and regulatory standards, Fluence is well-positioned to support Germany's energy transition. We look forward to driving the future of energy storage in Germany together with such an innovative partner as VERBUND." Reliable leaders for energy storage in Germany The German coalition government agreement and the recently published scenario plan of the German regulator reiterate the important role of energy storage for a secure and affordable energy system. Developing and deploying energy storage projects requires a deep understanding of applicable regulations around grid codes, permitting requirements on noise and fire safety, and regulation on cybersecurity. This is where Fluence, as a market leader in Germany, supports its customers with accelerating and de-risking their storage projects in Germany. In this collaboration, VERBUND focuses on the operation of the facilities and the marketing of battery storage. As a reliable trading partner in all energy markets, VERBUND offers the opportunity to optimally utilise storage resources and contribute to a stable electricity grid. The specially developed trading algorithms ensure the intelligent placement of offers while considering opportunities across all markets. 'Reliable partners like VERBUND and Fluence are essential for the successful development and implementation of energy storage projects that meet the requirements of the new federal government and the Federal Network Agency. We are pleased to collaborate with Fluence as we collectively tackle the challenges of the energy transition in Germany,' explains Karl Potz, Head of Battery Storage Systems at VERBUND. 'With our innovative trading algorithms, we can optimally market battery storage and thus make a significant contribution to a stable electricity grid. This partnership is another step towards a secure and affordable energy system in Germany.' About VERBUND VERBUND is Austria's leading energy company and one of the largest producers of hydroelectricity in Europe. The Group generates around 96 % of its electricity from renewable energy, primarily from hydropower. VERBUND trades electricity in 12 countries and generated around € 1,875m group result and € 3,480m in EBITDA in 2024 with approximately 4,100 employees. With its subsidiaries and partners, VERBUND is active in the generation of electricity, transmission and in international trading and sales. VERBUND has been quoted on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1988 with 51% of the share capital being held by the Republic of Austria. VERBUND is the decisive player for the success of the energy transition in Austria. The challenges that lie ahead require a new company spirit, which VERBUND is driving forward with its Mission V. The Mission V is a long-term and comprehensive transformation program and stands for the will to confront the climate crisis as a force for change. This program is based on the VERBUND Strategy 2030 with its three main pillars: Strengthening the integrated home market, expanding renewable energies in Europe and becoming a European hydrogen player. With Mission V, VERBUND is accelerating the achievement of the strategic goals 2030 and ensuring their implementation. Further information: For Further Inquiries:Martha SalaquardaVERBUND Energy4Business GmbHE: About Fluence Fluence Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Fluence's solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of projects successfully contracted, deployed and under management across nearly 50 markets, Fluence is transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, visit our website, or follow us on LinkedIn or X. To stay up to date on the latest industry insights, sign up for Fluence's Full Potential Blog. For Further Inquiries:Elisabeth GiesemannSenior Associate Policy and Communications FluenceE: Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated operational performance of these energy storage systems, including output and capacity, expected impact of these projects on the German power grid, de-risking expectations, and other beliefs, assumptions, prospects, plans, and objectives of management. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this press release, words such as "may," "possible," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "projects," "contemplates," "commits", "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions and variations thereof and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events, and their potential effects on our business. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance, and there can be no assurance that future developments affecting our business will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to, severe weather events impacting the projects, changes to the regulatory environment in Germany and Europe, general economic conditions, the potential for political, social, or economic unrest, terrorism, hostilities or war, unforeseen circumstances outside of Fluence's control which may cause the energy storage systems to not perform as anticipated, and such factors set forth under Item 1A."Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on November 29, 2024, and in other filings we make with the SEC from time to time. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the effect of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made in this press release. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which we become aware of, after the date hereof, except as otherwise may be required by in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
23-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Germany's Silbertaler project tackles senior loneliness and poverty
A project in western Germany helps seniors battle often-overlooked challenges – not just old-age poverty, but also loneliness. 'We thought: nobody is interested in old people,' said Griseldis Ellis, who runs a foundation to combat old age poverty in Germany. 'But the response has been overwhelming. People are much more open, empathetic and interested than they are often given credit for.' She and her wife, Christine Kienhofer, have been running Silbertaler, a project in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, since 2021. They deliver fresh fruit, vegetables and other foods to senior citizens living at home. At the start, the two women collected donations in kind. They soon realised that the need was greater than they had thought. The city of Speyer helped to establish contact with those in need. Now, the foundation says it is financed by donations.
New York Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
In a German City Long Home to American Troops, Trump Era Tests Ties
A solemn crowd of Germans and Americans — some soldiers, some civilians — gathered one sunny morning last month in the public cemetery in Kaiserslautern, in western Germany, where a grassy field holds the remains of 451 American infants. Civic groups, service members and schoolchildren maintain the so-called Kindergraves, cutting grass and repairing headstones for the babies, born between 1952 and 1971 to military families stationed at the many bases nearby. Every May, they hold a ceremony in remembrance — just one expression of the multilayered German-American friendship that has undergirded the region for decades. 'We give thanks for the city of Kaiserslautern,' intoned Capt. Nathan Smith, an Air Force chaplain. 'We are grateful that in a world wrought with pain, discord, war and grief, that we can stand together for the purpose of peace and love.' That friendship is now being tested by President Trump, who has levied heavy tariffs against Europe and mused about withdrawing troops, or even leaving NATO. Meanwhile, recent polls in Germany show a significant drop in trust in the United States. Even though Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, tried to tamp down the tension in a White House meeting with Mr. Trump on June 5, Mr. Merz has also urged European 'independence' from the United States. The two are expected to meet at the Group of 7 summit in Canada, starting Sunday. NETHERLANDS Berlin GERMANY Detail area Rhineland- Palatinate Munich BELGIUM Frankfurt GERMANY Ramstein Kaiserslautern FRANCE 50 mileS By The New York Times Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
