According to a report by Spiegel, communications between the ministry and EnBW’s lobbyist, Holger Schäfer, indicate that the ministry initiated the request for proposals, which were later recorded in the lobbying register with a delay. Critics, including the initiative Lobby Control, have accused Minister Reiche of excessive alignment with the fossil fuel industry, asserting that the proposals undermine the role of battery storage in renewable energy. In defense, Union faction leader Spahn expressed support for Reiche’s energy policy, emphasizing the need for affordable renewable energy expansion.