Germany to Switch to LNG and Shut Down Coal Power Plants
Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, has announced his intention to disconnect coal-fired power plants that were temporarily brought back online due to an energy crisis. This will occur once the planned terminals for liquefied natural gas are completed in Germany in 2024.
As reported by Stern, three floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) stations are currently operational in the country: in Wilhelmshaven in Lower Saxony, Lubmin in Western Pomerania, and Brunsbüttel in Schleswig-Holstein. Three more LNG terminals are expected to be built in Wilhelmshaven, Stade, and Mukran on Rügen. However, these developments face strong resistance from environmentalists and the local population.
Last year, the federal government passed a law stipulating that coal-fired power plants, originally slated for decommissioning in 2022 and 2023 as part of the gradual shift away from coal, would remain connected to the grid in the event of a gas shortage.
In early October, the Federal Cabinet also approved the temporary use of the so-called reserve capacity, namely coal-fired power stations, considered harmful to the climate. This temporary measure extends through the end of March and is a precautionary measure for winter.
Coal currently accounts for an average of around 14% of Germany's electricity production. Following a stress test conducted by Habeck, it has been determined that seven coal-fired power stations have re-entered the market, collectively generating up to 3.7 gigawatts of electricity, including the Uniper power station in Gelsenkirchen and the Mehrum coal-fired power station near Hanover.
Habeck remains confident regarding the country's energy security for the upcoming winter, stating, "Gas storage is nearly full. If nothing happens, Germany will weather the winter well. That's why the federal government, among other things, has ensured the stability of the energy supply system through coal-fired power stations." Habeck also expressed his desire to continue the efforts to curb gas and electricity prices.
Germany's natural gas storage facilities are filled to over 95%. Concerns had arisen before last winter due to a halt in Russian gas supplies, but a gas shortage was ultimately averted.