At the beginning of the interview, the energy expert criticized the plans of Federal Minister of Economics Reiche to reduce the costs of grid expansion. Such plans are risky, he said, as underground power lines offer better protection against air strikes and acts of sabotage. In view of the increasing security threat posed to Germany and Europe by the build-up of Russian forces on NATO's eastern flank, German decision-makers must reckon with potential Russian attacks on German energy infrastructure. Such attacks could significantly restrict our country's national sovereignty: “If electricity and the internet fail nationwide, government functions will cease after just four to five days,” explained Dr. Umbach.
Dr. Frank Umbach talks to t-online about the resilience of Germany's energy infrastructure Dr. Frank Umbach talks to t-online about the resilience of Germany's energy infrastructure
On September 4th, Dr. Frank Umbach gave an interview to t-online about the security of Germany's energy infrastructure. Dr. Umbach explained the extent to which it is possible to expand the grid in a way that provides protection against acts of sabotage and other attacks.
A power line.
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Dr. Frank Umbach is Head of Research of the European Cluster for Climate, Energy and Resource Security (EUCERS) at the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS)