In emergencies, coal will replace gas in Germany's electricity generation
In case of gas shortage or threat of shortage, Germany will significantly or completely replace the gas used to generate electricity with coal, announced today the German Ministry of Economy. Coal-fired power plants remain on standby, as do lignite-fired power plants, which can be ready for short-term operation.
However, the government will adhere to the master plan for the gradual abolition of coal energy production by 2030, the ministry said, noting that as long as the power plants remain on standby, there will be no additional emissions.
The laws that establish the basis for the use of coal and lignite are in government procedure.
According to the ministry, gas accounted for about 15 percent of Germany's electricity production last year, but that share is likely to be lower in 2022. Russian natural gas accounts for more than half of Germany's imports.