Energie: Uniper hält Verschiebung der Methan-Regulierung für unzureichend

German energy company Uniper has criticized the European Commission's plans to delay the tightening of methane regulations by one year. Uniper CEO Michael Lewis told the Handelsblatt, "A one-year delay is not enough. It takes roughly three years to build the necessary certification and inspection systems." The EU Commission officially proposed the one-year delay on Wednesday in an attempt to add pressure on energy security from imported fossil fuels due to the Iran war.

The move had been hinted at in recent weeks. "Read also: Measure against energy crisis – EU prepares relaxation of methane regulation" The issue is likely to play a role at the Council of European Heads of State and Government on Thursday and Friday. However, it remains uncertain if the majority of the state and government leaders' delay will suffice.

French President Emmanuel Macron had previously called for relaxations. Within the federal government, the topic is controversial. The Federal Ministry of the Environment stated that it supports the pragmatic approach of the authority and will thoroughly examine the proposal, voting on a position within the federal government. The Ministry of Economics had recently declared that a one-year delay is not sufficient.