CZGermany, the largest coal consumer for electricity production in Europe and fourth globally after China, India, and the US, has committed to phasing out coal entirely by 2038, with lignite (a highly polluting type of soft coal) set to end by 2030. Currently, around 20% of Germany’s electricity comes from coal, but the country aims to transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which already account for over half of its electricity generation. To support this shift, Germany plans to increase reliance on natural gas, which emits less carbon dioxide than coal. However, recent global price spikes in natural gas due to geopolitical tensions, such as those between the US, Israel, and Iran, have prompted several countries to reconsider coal as an energy source. Japan has relaxed regulations to allow more coal plant operations, Italy has postponed closing its remaining coal plants until 2038, and India has delayed maintenance shutdowns. Germany now faces a difficult decision: while it has abundant domestic brown coal reserves and is self-sufficient in this fuel, it relies heavily on imported natural gas, making coal economically attractive during high gas prices. The German
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives—economic and environmental—without overtly favoring one side. It includes quotes from both industry representatives (like LEAG) who support maintaining coal usage for energy security and environmental experts (like Hauke Hermann) who oppose increased coal use.
