The German ministry for economy and climate action is ensuring that significant coal and oil power plant capacities are at the ready in case
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The German ministry for economy and climate action is ensuring that significant coal and oil power plant capacities are at the ready in case the country’s Russian gas supply is cut, according to a government plan seen by EURACTIV.
The preparations are a sign that Berlin is planning for the worst, following a back-and-forth over Gazprom Germania and the Kremlin’s recent decision to cut supplies to three EU countries.
Germany continues to be highly reliant on Russian fossil gas. The burning of fossil gas generated about 15% of Germany’s electricity in 2021, although the 2022 share is expected to be slightly lower due to high prices.
Additionally, on 31 December this year, Germany will shut off its last nuclear reactors, reducing the amount of domestic electricity production in the country.
To ensure a sufficient power supply, coal is back in the spotlight. Around 6.9 gigawatts (GW) of rock coal power plant capacity, 1.9 GW of lignite and 1.6 GW of oil should be ready in case the Russian gas supply stops, the ministry’s plan states.
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I'm not sure if the nuclear reactors to be closed have reach the end of their life or if they are being shut as a policy. If the latter then surely it'd be better to keep them running for another year or two to avoid adding yet more GHGs to the atmosphere.
