Due to the gas crisis, the German Bundestag wants to use more coal-fired power stations to generate electricity again. Economics Minister Robert Habeck spoke of a “transitional period”. The measure is “bitter, but almost necessary.” However, the life of nuclear power plants is not extended, as the CDU and CSU had proposed.
Since Germany – like many other European countries – currently receives less Russian gas, the MPs decided on Thursday evening to take appropriate measures to secure the energy supply. For example, more coal-fired power stations must be used again. Those plants that are now only available in limited quantities, are about to be shut down or in reserve, are going into operation. At the same time, the so-called gas replacement reserve is being set in motion, the German Ministry of Economic Affairs announced. “As soon as the law comes into effect, we will blow off the replacement reserve gas. That means – you have to be honest – more coal-fired power stations for a transitional period. That is bitter, but in this situation it is almost necessary to reduce gas consumption,” said Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck (Groenen).
State aid for ailing energy companies
Every effort must and will be made to store as much gas as possible in the summer and autumn. The gas storage tanks should be full by winter, Habeck said. The government is also currently negotiating state aid with Uniper, Germany’s largest importer of Russian natural gas. The exemption for aid to ailing energy companies has already been arranged. Uniper is particularly affected by the restriction of Russia’s gas supply through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. This situation could get worse. The annual maintenance starts on July 11 and usually lasts ten days. Part of the population fears that Russia will no longer be able to open the gas tap after the maintenance.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) said Thursday evening that the country should in any case prepare for a gas shortage. In such a case, the prioritized energy distribution comes into effect. The CDU and CSU had proposed that the federal government could keep the three remaining nuclear plants running in addition to coal-fired power plants. This will not happen, however, as the SPD and the Greens voted against it. The other measures will be discussed in the Bundesrat on Friday.
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.
