Germany Reactivates Dormant Coal Plants Amid Energy Crisis

In response to the intensifying energy crisis, Germany has announced plans to resurrect several discontinued coal plants this winter, ensuring the stability of its power supply. The measure was taken to mitigate the potential power shortage resulting from the significant increase in demand during the colder months. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is dedicated to ensuring the power stays on for its citizens even as environmental challenges and energy concerns mount.

According to a spokesperson from the Economy Ministry, the German cabinet is set to pass a decree on Wednesday, authorizing the reactivation of numerous units belonging to energy firms RWE AG and LEAG. A spokesman for LEAG expressed expectation that the government's move will be confirmed shortly.

Germany's decision comes after the scheduled phase-out of its last nuclear reactors in the spring, posing a significant risk to the energy supply during the winter months. To cope with this vulnerability, the country has been increasingly reliant on coal to generate electricity, especially in light of last year's energy crisis that led to a record surge in gas prices.

For this winter, the reactivation strategy focuses on two coal plants from RWE AG, marked Niederaußem and Neurath, along with the Jaenschwalde plant owned by LEAG in the eastern part of the country. These plants were functional last winter, put in a standby mode for the summer, and can now be fully brought back into service until the latest of March 2024.