Katherina Reiche, the former politician and current CEO of Westenergie AG, visited the PCK refinery in Schwedt, which now produces e-kerosene. In an interview with DIE ZEIT, she spoke about the significance of the refinery for Germany’s energy supply and the challenges arising from the separation from Rosneft. This measure became necessary after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Reiche emphasized the bravery and optimism of the refinery’s employees. She described her visit as a “great day” and highlighted the importance of the refinery continuing to produce essential products like kerosene and gasoline. Her technical expertise as a chemist allows her to better understand the processes on site.
In the conversation, Reiche also reflected on her childhood in the GDR, where her family owned a business that was nationalized. She stressed the importance of love and affection in childhood and how these experiences shaped her. Reiche also commented on the political situation in Germany and the challenges society must face.
The PCK refinery plays a central role in Germany’s energy supply, especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty. Reiche sees both challenges and opportunities for the future of energy production in Germany in the current situation.
