Germany gears up for official talks on coal phase-out
Energy transition pioneer Germany is about to launch a highly anticipated task force on phasing out coal power, the most prominent blemish on the country’s climate record. The government will likely nominate the coal exit commission next Tuesday. There was intense fighting over its makeup in the run-up to the announcement, because it is considered crucial to the path Germany will take to ditch the extremely CO2-intensive fossil fuel. Environmental NGOs called reports on the commission’s likely leadership a bad omen for climate protection.
A well-connected coal industry expert in favour of ambitious climate protection, who did not want to be named, told the Clean Energy Wire: “The more details I hear about the commission’s makeup and mode of operation, the more pessimistic I get that climate protection will be a priority.”
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For plenty of background, read the factsheets When will Germany finally ditch coal? and Coal in Germany.