Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested the possibility of suspending the closing of other coal power plants in Germany until new gas power plants are ready to replace them. According to Bloomberg, during Wednesday's meeting with representatives of the energy industry Friedrich Merz emphasized that Although Germany is obliged to leave coal, the current pace of transformation may threaten the stability of energy supply.
“Nobody wants to stop moving away from coal, but withdrawal is faster than replacing it with another source” – said the Chancellor.”I would like it to be the opposite” – he declared.
Germany focuses on gas, but the transformation takes time and money
According to previous declarations, Germany is to end the use of coal in energy production by 2038. However, in the face of growing challenges related to ensuring continuity of energy supply, the government is planning subsidies for the development of gas power plants, which in the future are to be converted into hydrogen -powered. Such a strategy, however, is associated with high costs and the need to obtain the consent of the European Union for public support.
Friedrich Merz pointed out that in the transition phase new gas power plants do not have to be immediately adapted to the supply of hyd with hydrogen. Temporary solutions could strengthen the energy network, especially during periods when renewable energy sources (renewable energy) are not able to satisfy demand.
German energy. Bottlenecks on the web and the need for new power
Bloomberg notes that the German energy regulator warned that by 2035 the country will need from 22 to 36 GW additional power to guarantee stability of power supply. The bottlenecks in the transmission network, which Chancellor suggested to solve by slowing down the development of renewable energy, also remain a problem.
Decisions on this matter are to be made after publishing the results of a key study next week. However, as Bloomberg notes, the research methodology has already met with criticism from the representatives of the RES industry.
Germany, which is a leader in the development of renewable energy sources, faces the challenge of reconciling ambitious climate goals with the need to ensure reliable energy supply.
