Germany has announced one of its largest infrastructure programmes in a generation, aimed at upgrading railways, expanding the power grid and accelerating the shift to renewable energy.

Rebuilding the backbone

After years of underinvestment, Germany’s famously punctual trains have become a source of national frustration. The new package promises to modernise tracks, stations and rolling stock.

Investment in grid infrastructure is designed to carry wind power from the breezy north to the industrial south — long a bottleneck in the country’s energy transition.

Economic stakes

With its manufacturing sector under pressure, Germany hopes the spending will revive growth, create jobs and cement its role as Europe’s industrial engine.