Germany May Extend Coal Phaseout Amid Energy Crisis

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Friday that the country may need to extend the operation of coal-fired power plants beyond the planned 2038 phaseout if the ongoing energy crisis persists, prioritizing electricity supply and industrial stability amid disruptions from the Middle East conflict.

Speaking at a forum in Frankfurt organized by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, Merz emphasized the need to adapt to the crisis, which has been exacerbated by the war in Iran and interruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. "If the energy crisis continues and a shortage actually occurs, we may even have to keep existing coal-fired power plants online for longer," he said. "We have to supply this country with electricity. I am not prepared to jeopardise the core of our industry just because we have decided on phaseout plans that have become unrealistic." Germany has committed to gradually shutting down anthracite and lignite plants as part of its climate strategy, aiming for a complete coal exit by 2038 at the latest.

This position comes as the government balances ambitious environmental targets with economic pressures. Europe's largest economy has pursued an energy...