Wirtschaftsministerium: Komplette Führungsebene war unbesetzt: Reiche stellt Strom-Abteilung neu auf

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has implemented a complete overhaul of the energy department, experiencing surprise as the critical section remained vacant for months. The department is divided into three sub-departments, all of which were devoid of leadership. Reiche, who brought in CDU politician Christian Schmidt as the department head, allowed previous leaders to be moved intentionally due to differing energy policies.

Concerns over internal processes began mounting, leaving officials frustrated over a lack of contact points. The department handles some of the most significant topics in the entire government, including the energy transition, the construction of new power plants, and the expansion of power networks. Reiche has now found three internal solutions to fill these positions.

Jan-Kristof Wellershoff will take over the "Fundamentals of Electricity and European Energy Transition" sub-department, advancing from a previous role as head of the power plant strategy project, one of Reiche's most crucial initiatives. Michael Kuxenko will lead the "Energy Transition Strategy and Renewable Energies" sub-department, previously responsible for gas and hydrogen.

The third sub-department, "Power Networks and Digitalization of the Energy Transition," is expected to be taken over by Pascale Semmler, known for her CDU ties and current role in the Infrastructure Special Fund and Climate Transformation Fund. However, her appointment is not yet confirmed, as there appears to be internal competition for the position.

This is not uncommon in ministries following personnel changes. Still, the pressure is particularly high within the Economy Ministry, as many feel advancement opportunities have been significantly restricted since Reiche's tenure began. This is due to the shrinking size of the ministry, with climate and digital topics being shifted to other agencies, and budget cuts in the federal budget.