The coal-fired power station in Mellach south of Graz, which was shut down two years ago, was due to be restarted during the energy crisis. But the plans have stalled. Politically, there is no agreement.
In June, the federal government caused a stir when it announced the reactivation of the Mellach coal-fired power station. That was the last of its kind to be shut down in the spring of 2020. However, in the gas crisis, it should help in emergency situations.
Everything seemed to be on schedule, but in August the SPÖ prevented the necessary energy control arrangement in the National Council. This provides that affected operators of power stations are reimbursed for the costs of the conversion.
“The ball is in the minister’s court”
Talks between the government and the opposition were announced, but no compromise has been found since. “The ball is in the hands of Minister Leonore Gewessler. We have listed several possible solutions. But what is absolutely impossible is a redistribution of taxpayers’ money to crisis winners,” SPÖ energy spokesman Alois Schroll told the Krone.
Association has to wait
Without an arrangement, the association cannot yet start with conversion, personnel and coal purchase. Purchasing the coal, which is in great demand on the world market, is considered “the most time-critical part”, according to Verbund, “because transport logistics must also be taken into account”. For this winter, restarting is no longer an issue. Whether it will still be necessary in the winter of 2023 remains to be seen.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
