Germany Bids Farewell to Coal. The Next Stage of the Energiewende
Germany Bids Farewell to Coal. The Next Stage of the Energiewende

Author(s): Michał Kędzierski
Subject(s): Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental and Energy policy, Government/Political systems, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: German energy sector; greenhouse gas emissions; The Act on the Phase‑out of Coal; hard coal mining in Germany; electricity production in Germany;
Summary/Abstract: Lignite and hard coal still play an important role in the German energy sector. In 2019, a total of 28.4% of the electricity generated in Germany was by coal‑fired power plants. Due to their high emission levels, these power plants are a significant source of carbon dioxide – accounting for three quarters of such emissions in the national energy sector and a quarter in the entire economy. It will not be possible to meet the country’s climate policy targets in the medium term without accelerating the transition away from coal use for energy purposes. The process of phasing out coal (Kohleausstieg) presents a major challenge in terms of restructuring energy policy on the one hand, while also encompassing various opposing political, economic and social interests on the other.

• Details
• Contents