Europe's turn back to coal a 'temporary' measure in response to Russian gas cuts
Germany and several of its European neighbours are returning to coal-fired power plants in order to conserve precious reserves of natural gas, a temporary — but some say necessary — move after Russia cut back its gas exports following the invasion of Ukraine.
Coal is much dirtier than gas, and it emits significantly more climate-warming greenhouse gases when burned.
Though Germany's climate-focused government was on its way to phasing out coal from its energy sector, it has to make sure it reserves enough gas to heat homes, said Chris Bataille, an adjunct research fellow with the Columbia Center on Global Energy Policy.
"Part of the reason the Germans are allowing these coal plants to turn back on right now, is they want to shut off their gas plants so that they can refill their gas storage for the winter," he said.
New legislation will allow the country to use 15 coal-fired power plants, all of which were slated to be phased out this year or next.
Europe's turn back to coal a 'temporary' measure in response to Russian gas cuts | CBC News
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