Coal exit not needed, “counterproductive” – coal association

A coal phase-out is unnecessary and threatens energy security, the Coal Importer Association writes in a press release. Coal-fired power plants are needed to supply electricity to the grid during times when renewable energies cannot meet total power demand, according to the release. Instead of scheduling a coal-exit date, policymakers should focus on other sectors of the economy where emission reductions are needed, such as industry and transport, the association writes. In 2017, the use of hard coal for power generation in Germany fell by 17 percent and is expected to fall by more than 20 percent in 2018, according to the association.

Read the press release in English here.

For background, read the article Renewables overtake coal and the factsheets Coal in Germany and Germany’s coal exit commission.