Coal news and updates

Germany puts coal phaseout on hold to prepare for possible Russian gas supply cut

European countries are canceling the closure of coal-fired power plants and getting open-cast mines back to business to prevent a collapse in the energy system if Russia decides to stop supplying them with gas. Germany will keep the power generation fleet in the sector in reserve after the operating permits expire.

Germany is preparing the legal framework for the reactivation of the power plants running on fossil fuels which are due to be closed this year and next, according to media outlets that saw the plans. The emergency measure is aimed at offsetting the potential shortage at gas-fired power plants if Russia cuts off supply.

Unnamed sources said the government in Berlin would nevertheless remain committed to its 2030 coal phaseout deadline. At the same time, Germany is accelerating the projects for terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas infrastructure and pushing consumers to save energy.