IKEM | April 2026
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Setting the Course for the Energy Transition


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Recent developments once again highlight why the consistent implementation of the energy transition is essential. Renewable energy sources strengthen our independence and energy security; however, their further expansion is currently stalling due to a lack of planning certainty.

Key reforms that have long been announced, such as the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the Grid Package, and the power plant strategy, have now entered the interministerial coordination phase. In the coming weeks, important decisions will be made that will shape the future course of the energy transition. We are closely following this pivotal period through our research and a series of events, including our Energy Roundtable on 7 May and the Heat Transition Forum on 28 May.

At the Energy Roundtable, we will examine the planned amendment to the EEG, its key innovations — ranging from the investment framework to auction design — and the implications for market participants and future renewable energy projects.
At the Heat Transition Forum, using Berlin as a case study, we will explore how climate‑neutral heat supply can be achieved in urban environments and which policy decisions need to be taken now.

This newsletter provides an overview of our activities in April. Further updates on our work can be found at any time on our website and LinkedIn channel.

We hope you enjoy the read!

Until next time,

The IKEM Communications Team

 
New Projects
Vegetable basket
AgroPolis

Agroecology seeks to integrate ecological, social and economic aspects of food production. Together with partners from six countries, our new project explores how agroecological approaches can be effectively strengthened and which political and regulatory frameworks are required to support them.

Project details
Publications
Presentation Cover
Guidelines for the legally compliant operation of hydrogen facilities

On 24 March 2026, IKEM expert Leony Ohle provided insights into the key considerations for the legally compliant operation of hydrogen facilities during the seminar “H2 Safety: Fundamentals” organised by DVGW Kongress GmbH. The presentation is now available online.

View presentation
 
Study Cover
Awarding of high-performance charging infrastructure for long-distance e-trucks

This study analyses the procurement and state aid framework for high‑power charging infrastructure along motorways — a key prerequisite for decarbonising heavy goods transport. Leandra Schulz and Markus Lehnshack show that the development of truck charging points at motorway service areas and filling stations in Germany benefits from open, transparent and non‑discriminatory tendering procedures.

View study
 
Cover der Klima und Recht. Quelle: Verlag C.H.Beck
EEG Reform: A New Support Scheme for Renewable Energy

In her editorial, Philine Wedell analyses the reform of the EEG and calls for its swift implementation. The focus lies on the proposed paradigm shift in support mechanisms for renewable energy, new approaches to market integration and revenue capping, and their implications for investment security.

View publication
 
Cover der Klima und Recht. Quelle: Verlag C.H.Beck
Critical Raw Materials as a Challenge for the Legal System

In this article, Michael Rodi examines the growing importance of critical raw materials for the ecological transition and highlights the associated geopolitical, economic and legal challenges.

View publication
 
Upcoming Events
Logo Energiestammtisch
Berlin Energy Roundtable

The next Berlin Energy Roundtable, titled “Energy Transition Update – What will the EEG Reform change?”, will take place on 7 May 2026 at IKEM, featuring Philine Wedell, Managing Director of IKEM, and Jana Eschweiler, Head of Energy Law at IKEM.

Further information
 
Logo FWW
Heat Transition Forum

The next Heat Transition Forum will focus on the transformation of heat supply in urban centres and will take place on 28 May 2026 at IKEM. We look forward to keynote contributions from Dr Felix Groba (Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises) and Susanne Huneke (Berliner Energie und Wärme – BEW). Additional panellists include Gregor Dilger (German Geothermal Association) and Dr Stefan Taschner (Alliance 90/The Greens). 

Further information
 
Statue Mother Ukraine
WOW Workshop

As part of the WOW project, IKEM will host a workshop on 13 May 2026 aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening the innovative capacity of Ukrainian universities and research institutions.

Further information
 
Logo EACL
Climate Law 10 Years after the Paris Agreement

On 17 and 18 September 2026, the European Association of Climate Law (EACL) will hold its second conference in Helsinki, Finland. The conference will reflect on the state of climate law ten years after the Paris Agreement.

Further information
 
Klima und Recht
 
Cover der Klima und Recht. Quelle: Verlag C.H.Beck
Issue 4/2026

The latest issue of Klima und Recht is now available and includes the following contributions:

  • Philine Wedell: Paradigm shift in the EEG – a new support scheme for renewable energy
  • Prof Dr Michael Rodi: Critical raw materials as a challenge for national and international legal systems
  • Dr Anja Widmann: The protected asset “climate” in the UVPVwV 2025
  • Dr Anthony Mario Wernicke/Johannes Göbel: Data altruism for climate protection
  • Matthias Vöcking: Ecological marginal damages of solar/gas as a basis for funding battery storage expansion

Case law:

  • European Court of Human Rights, 28 October 2025 – No. 34068/21: Greenpeace Nordic et al. v Norway – Complaint against state‑licensed oil and gas extraction in the Arctic dismissed
  • Federal Administrative Court, 8 October 2025 – 9 A 2.24: Planning approval decision for the first section of the A 26‑East partially unlawful

Are you researching climate law and are interested in publishing your work? Please contact the editorial team at: klimr@ikem.de.

View current issue (German)
 
Current Vacancies
 
Foto von Menschen, die an einem Schreibtisch arbeiten. Quelle: Pexels.

Join the IKEM team! We are currently recruiting:

  • Doctoral candidates (m/f/d)
  • Legal trainees
  • Interns
Apply now!
 

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IKEM – Institut für Klimaschutz, Energie und Mobilität e.V.


Alte Jakobstraße 85-86
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Germany

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info@ikem.de

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