Coal-fired power to ease gas crisis

German Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck wants to further prepare Germany for a possible end to Russian gas supplies and expand the number of coal-fired power plants in reserve for this purpose. If a gas shortage occurs or threatens, gas consumption in power generation is to be significantly reduced by means of a „malus„, as was heard from the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs on Tuesday. A corresponding bill went to the departmental vote yesterday. In addition, a „sprinter program“ is to promote the construction of new hydrogen power plants through the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).