In brief | 4 December '24

Argus: Germany's 2030 coal phase-out ambitions called into question

Earlier phase-out target is being reassessed owing to likelihood of further delays to power plant security act, which is meant to secure back-up capacity.

Reuters: Germany's weak winds trigger record surge in gas-fired power

Gas-fired electricity production jumped by a record 79 percent in November as utilities scrambled to offset a second straight month of sharply below-normal output from wind farms.

Financial Times: Bundesbank chief calls for softer debt brake to increase investment

German central bank president Joachim Nagel urges Berlin to relax rules to address defence and infrastructure shortfalls.

European Investment Bank: EU Commission and EIB announce new partnership to support investments in the European battery manufacturing value chain

Partnership will see a 200 million euro top-up (loan guarantee) to the InvestEU programme from the EU Innovation Fund.

Reuters: Europe's embattled auto sector plans plant closures and layoffs

Car companies across Europe struggle with weak demand, high costs, competition from China and a slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles.

European Environment Agency: Europe’s water is under pressure from pollution, over-use, habitat degradation and climate change impacts

Improving resilience and health of lakes, rivers and groundwaters is an urgent priority.

Bloomberg: EU reaches deal to delay contentious deforestation law

Postponement by a year needs final sign-off before end of 2024. EU has faced stiff opposition over far-reaching green law.

Financial Times: EDF to keep 4 UK nuclear power stations open longer than planned

Latest extensions to plants’ working lives could see some sites keep running into next decade.