Germany wants to prolong the life of coal-fired power plants
Germany can extend the operating time of coal-fired power plants that are about to be decommissioned, in case Russia cuts off gas.
The plan is mentioned in a bill recently published by the German Economy Ministry. Accordingly, thermal power plants running on coal, brown coal, or lignite can be extended instead of shutting down. If approved, these facilities will be included in the reserve until March 31, 2024.
“This means that coal-fired power plants can operate short-term as required, should the need arise,” the bill said. This option still needs the approval of Prime Minister Olaf Scholz’s cabinet.
The German Economy Ministry says natural gas – which comes largely from Russia – will account for 15 percent of the country’s electricity production in 2021. The share is expected to decline this year due to soaring gas costs and the Ukraine crisis.
A brown coal thermal power plant in Neurath, Cologne, Germany on March 12, 2019. Photo: Reuters
Germany relies on affordable, abundant natural gas from Russia as an alternative to coal, to meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels.
However, since war broke out in Ukraine, Berlin has sought to change its dependence on fossil fuels from Russia. Earlier this month, the German parliament passed legislation paving the way for the construction of four liquefied natural gas terminals on the north coast. In which, 2 ports are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Germany has also reduced its share of gas purchases from Russia from 55% at the beginning of the year to 35%. Most of Russia’s gas reaching the country flows through the Nord Stream pipeline under the Baltic Sea. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) this week warned that gas cuts from Russia are the biggest threat to the German economy.
In 2020, the previous German government decided to spend $44.5 billion to phase out coal-fired power by 2038. However, the new government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz shortened the deadline to 2030 and emphasized opening up. renewable energy expansion.
Efforts to build more wind turbines and solar farms have also stalled under the previous government. Last year, amid high gas prices, thermal power increased its share by nearly 5%, accounting for about 30% of Germany’s electricity production.
Session An (according to NYT)
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