Coal phase-out: important course set

Bonn/Berlin (26 Jan. 2019). The Coal Commission's decision sets the course for the coal phase-out by 2035, or 2038 at the latest. The environmental and development organisations welcome these decisions, but regret that this phase-out path is not yet ambitious enough to achieve the Paris climate goals.

In 2023, according to the compromise, the phase-out can be improved for the first time so that it fits in with the climate goals of Paris. Only then would the social contract be fulfilled that we owe to those already massively affected by the climate crisis and to future generations. Around 10,000 students pressed for this yesterday in front of the negotiation building. Thousands supported them in many cities nationwide.

Cornerstones of the compromise: - The phase-out of coal should be completed by 2038 at the latest and preferably by 2035. In 2032, it will be examined whether the phase-out is already possible in 2035 in terms of energy economics. The environmental associations state in a special vote that they assume 2035 in view of the climate policy and energy economic situation.

- By 2022, a total of 12.5 GW of coal are to be decommissioned or placed in reserve. This includes 3 GW of lignite in the west in addition to the closures already decided. This will save the Hambach Forest and probably also the villages in NRW.

- In 2023, the targets can be revised for the first time so that they fit in with the Paris climate goals.

- The large Jänschwalde power plant will be shut down by 2025. The name is not mentioned, but the announced reduction of 10 million tonnes of CO2 refers to this site.

- From 2025, a steady reduction path begins until 2030, leading to a maximum of 9 GW of lignite and 8 GW of hard coal. This steady path is specified in a special vote by the environmental associations.