Green MP says coal exit would happen even without climate protection goals

Germany would have to discontinue coal-fired power production even without committing itself to climate protection goals, Oliver Krischer, vice-chairman of the Green Party’s parliamentary group, said during a speech on his party’s energy policy ambitions after the general elections. “I don’t see any competitiveness for coal anymore,” Krischer said, adding that “the end of the age of coal has come regardless of climate protection”. A “coal exit” – even by a different name - would therefore be an issue that any future government in Germany would have to face. “It’s doable within in 20 years,” Krischer added. He explained that it was not relevant in what year the last coal plant was shut down but rather to quickly decommission the oldest and dirtiest plants and cut overcapacities in the German power market.

For background, see the CLEW dossier Vote2017 – German elections and the Energiewende and the CLEW factsheet When will Germany finally ditch coal?