Germany may shut a further eight coal plants
Germany is working on a new law to force energy companies to shut down several more coal-fired power plants as it tries to reach ambitious climate goals, a document seen by Reuters showed.
According to a draft legislation prepared by the economy ministry, energy companies will be asked to reduce carbon emissions by at least 22 million t by 2020.
Some 50 facilities already registered for decommission will not count, however, meaning that a further eight coal-fired power stations may be closed down.
Germany is aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020 from 1990 levels, however, the government has warned it may miss this target by between 5 – 8%.
The latest reduction in carbon emissions, if put into effect, would be shared equally between Germany's power companies, among them major energy firms RWE, E.ON and Vattenfall.
They would be allowed to determine, however, which of their plants to decommission. "With that they are granted a maximum of flexibility," the document said.
Coal currently accounts for over 45% of Germany’s electricity supplies.
Edited from various sources by Sam Dodson
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/24112014/germany-to-close-more-coal-plants-1605/
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