Germany's new power plant strategy, aimed at supporting renewable energy, has ignited controversy.

The plan involves building gas-fired power plants with a capacity of 12.5 gigawatts to provide backup during periods of low wind and solar output.

However, critics, including North Rhine-Westphalia's Economy Minister Mona Neubaur, argue this capacity is insufficient to meet future energy demands.

The strategy also faces scrutiny over its reliance on hydrogen conversion and potential electricity price increases due to a new surcharge.

Despite these concerns, the government maintains its commitment to reducing energy system costs while ensuring a stable power supply in the transition to renewable energy.