Germany approves coal comeback

Legislation to reboot coal-fired power stations in order to reduce dependence on natural gas has passed both chambers of German parliament.
Photo: TIMM REICHERT/REUTERS / X07623
Photo: TIMM REICHERT/REUTERS / X07623
BY RITZAU, TRANSLATED BY CHRISTOFFER ØSTERGAARD

The German Bundesrat has voted to approve legislation which allows for a reboot of several coal-fired power plants nationwide.

Thus, both chambers in German parliament have given a green light to the law, which is intended to lessen the nation’s gas consumption.

The legislative measure will enable Germany to power coal-fired power plants back up despite being put on standby or set to close.

The move must be viewed in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine as several nations are endeavoring to lessen dependence on Russian gas, as is the case in Germany.

The nation would rather rely on old coal-fired power plants than gas, which would have to be procured from Russia.

Russia has already plugged the flow of gas to Germany as a result of the war, stoking fears that supplies will be cut off completely.

Russia recently cut gas supplies significantly to Germany through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline.

Since then, Germany also announced the alert level due to higher prices and reduced gas supplies from Russia. The authorities have also encouraged the Germans to cut down on their gas consumption.

Germany’s coal comeback is intended to contribute to ensuring its supply security, which has been heavily reliant on natural gas.

Legislation has passed in both legislative chambers despite vocal protest about environmental concerns. Critics are worried that coal-fired power plants will contribute to climate change.

Germany and Russia’s collaboration on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has broken down as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The collaboration would ensure large volumes of Russian gas to Germany and other parts of Europe.

The large-scale project had been under construction for years, and the pipeline was reportedly close to being completed when Germany put a stop to the approval process.

The Bundestag, the other legislative branch of the German parliament, also decided to pave the way for subsidies for ailing energy companies.

Germany takes step closer to gas rationing with heightened alert

Germany plans coal reversal, gas funding to counter Russian cut

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