Published on: 19.06.2022 – 16:08
In the face of Russian gas blackmail and the price explosion caused by the war in Ukraine, the federal government announced on Sunday June 19 that it would make greater use of coal-fired power plants despite their environmental costs. This decision is a setback for the coalition government, which prioritizes environmentalists and has pledged to phase out coal by 2030.
It is urgently necessary for Berlin to secure its gas supply and secure its electricity production. The only solution available to her is to increase the rate of her coal-fired power plants.
A draft law is therefore to be presented by the summer that will allow for the increased but temporary use of coal, as our correspondent in Berlin reports. Nathalie Versieux.
Ecological Economics Minister Robert Habeck admits in a press release that this decision is “bitter but essential to reduce gas consumption”.
Despite the pressure from the Kremlin, the minister wants to calm down and reminds that “supply security is guaranteed”. Even if he acknowledges that “the situation is serious”.
Berlin’s decision to use more coal comes in response to pressure from the Kremlin on Ukraine’s European allies. Specifically, in anticipation of a tense winter in the energy market, everything must be done to accelerate reserve building.
The gas that arrives in Germany must primarily be used to fill the country’s storage facilities instead of feeding power plants to generate electricity. This is where the country’s coal-fired power plants come into play.
The government also plans to release a €15 billion loan from public bank KFW to buy gas in all directions and refill tanks. The country’s reserves, currently 56%, need to increase to 90% by November.
Finally, in order to encourage the manufacturing sector to reduce its electricity consumption, the federal government plans to set up an auction system for the sale of gas to manufacturers.
For several days, Russian gas giant Gazprom cut its gas supplies to Europe by 40% and then 33% via the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, fueling a technical issue. A deceptive reason for western countries. According to Berlin, this is primarily a “political decision”.
►Also hear: Robert Habeck, German pioneer of the energy transition