German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told the parliament on Thursday, Oct. 20, that the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine must not result in a "worldwide renaissance" of coal energy plants.
Germany Reignites Coal Plants
As Russia restricts gas supplies, Germany itself considered opening coal plants in June and eventually activated some to prevent an energy crisis come winter.
As reported by ABCNews, Scholz emphasized his government's efforts to reduce the ramifications of Russia's decision to cut off fuel supplies to Germany.
The government has recently approved the reactivation of several coals and oil-fueled power plants, and environmental activists advise that by burning more fossil fuels, Germany risks falling short of its climate goals.
Furthermore, the Chancellor stated that five more plants that use lignite, a low-quality and emission-intensive type of coal, have been restarted in recent days "as a time-limited but necessary emergency measure."
The head of state also decided this week to keep Germany's last three nuclear power plants operational until mid-April.
"We continue to stand firmly by our climate targets," Scholz said in a speech to parliament.
Russia Bottlenecks Europe's Gas Supply
Germany stated in June that the worsening gas market situation requires Europe's largest economy to limit its use of natural gas for electricity generation and burn more coal for a "transitional period."
Without precautions to avoid a supply shortage, officials warned that situations would get tough in the winter. Germany will therefore try to offset a decrease in Russian gas supplies by burning more coal, claims CNBC.
It is well known that carbon is the fossil fuel with the highest emissions of carbon, making it the most crucial fuel to replace as humans move toward renewable energy sources.
"The tense situation and high prices are a direct consequence of Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine. There is no mistake. What's more, it's obviously Putin's strategy to unsettle us, drive up prices and divide us. We won't allow that," Economy Minister Robert Habeck said.
"We defend ourselves resolutely, precisely, and thoughtfully," Habeck added.
Germany Energy Woes
Scholz pledges that Germany, expanding its use of renewable energy, will reach all major legislation required to meet its emissions target by the end of this year. Furthermore, the European Union will be staying on the same track.
According to reports, he also deemed a final agreement in the coming months on the EU's proposed "Fit for 55" package to achieve the bloc's goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% over the next decade.
Based on an Associated Press report, coal factored for 31.4% of Germany's power generation in the first half of this year, up from 27.1% in the same period last year.
The percentage of electricity generated in the nation from renewable sources increased to 48.5% from 43.8% the year before, while the percentages from nuclear power and gas decreased to 6% and 11.7%, respectively.
