Stories from Berlin · Germany

For the first time since 1919, wind and solar energy combined have generated more electricity than coal power plants. Renewable sources accounted for 33.8 percent of generation compared to 33.0 percent for coal. This shift is attributed to structural changes rather than economic crises. Combined solar and wind energy generation has surpassed one-third of all electricity produced globally for the first time. Solar energy generation alone grew by 30% in a single year. This milestone occurs as global energy consumption rises due to extreme heat, electric vehicle adoption, and data center demand. The report notes that one in every three lightbulbs currently lit worldwide is powered by solar or wind sources.

The German government has postponed the ban on installing oil and gas heating systems until November 1. The head of the Central Association of Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning noted that while the heating law was better than its reputation, the manner of its creation and the resulting public dispute were failures. Union parliamentary group leader Spahn stated the move effectively repeals the heating law to restore necessary freedom for citizens. Industry and citizens have expressed frustration over the frequent changes to heating regulations. The government has reached an agreement on specific details to loosen the rules of the Building Modernization Act, following a previous plan to abolish the law. Landlords must now cover 50 percent of network charges, biofuel costs, and CO2 prices for ongoing heating expenses following a system replacement.

German painter and sculptor Georg Baselitz has died at the age of 88. He was associated with other prominent artists such as Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke. He frequently applied paint to his canvases using his fingers. He was internationally recognized for his large-format works often executed with his fingers. Curator Martin Schwander provided an analysis of his artistic impact. His career included a 1963 scandal in a Berlin gallery involving the exhibition of two paintings with sexual motifs. His work was characterized as provocative and radical, often breaking established rules and taboos. Urike Thielmann commemorated the artist yesterday. The ARD Mediathek is providing resources to view his work in audio and visual formats. One painting depicted a large penis and the other a young man.

The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has added a neck fan from Temu to its dangerous products database. The recall is due to a risk of poisoning/toxicity.

The German Federal Ministry has issued a fishing ban to protect the endangered eel population. The ban applies to the North Sea and Baltic Sea from September through March 2027. Recreational eel fishing remains completely prohibited under the new regulations.

The German government has reached an agreement to loosen rules within the Building Modernization Act, previously known as the heating law. While the association noted they had hoped for more, they stated they are in agreement with the current draft points on the table. The measure is expected to provide relief for millions of affected renters. The association participated in lengthy negotiations to reach this outcome. Daniel Föß, managing director of the Central Association of Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning, noted that the heating industry and the broader German economy, particularly the chemical industry, are facing challenging times. The move follows discussions regarding the impact of the legislation on industrial stability. The agreement includes a cost cap for tenants to prevent them from bearing the full burden of fossil fuel heating installations.

The Berlin Gallery Weekend features 50 galleries and more than 80 artists this year. The event functions as a decentralized fair where gallery owners showcase their collections without renting expensive exhibition stands.

The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) announced a modernization of its subway fleet to improve service. The agency stated that the new trains will increase punctuality for passengers. Some modernized trains have already been operating in the underground network.

New test trains for the U5, U9, and U2 lines began operating in Berlin starting at approximately 4:00 AM today. The deployment includes the U2 line, which is already utilizing these wagons.

Berlin transport operator BVG reported that 99 percent of buses and trains now arrive according to schedule. This represents a increase from the previous year when subway reliability was at 93 percent. The operator stated that the system is performing well and reliability has risen. Approximately 1 million people use the network daily. According to the agency, 99 percent of buses and trains operated as scheduled last year. The reliability rate for the Berlin U-Bahn has increased to 99 percent. The BVG in Berlin hired 220 additional bus drivers and 30 U-Bahn drivers over the past year. This staffing increase follows the implementation of a better collective bargaining agreement. The agency also deployed 139 small-profile vehicles to serve U-Bahn lines 1 through 4 at the turn of the year. The expansion is linked to an increase in bus and rail commuters.