Submission + - Germany keeps burning coal for another winter (euractiv.com)
The primary purpose of these lignite plants is to alleviate gas demand during peak times and stabilize prices. Despite the economic benefits, the move raises environmental concerns, given lignite's status as a major climate polluter. The government acknowledges this and plans to assess the additional carbon emissions resulting from keeping coal plants on standby, estimated to be between 2.5 and 5.6 tonnes of CO2.
The German government emphasized the persistence of the goal to ideally complete the coal phase-out by 2030 and meet climate targets. However, skepticism surrounds the likelihood of achieving these objectives. This makes it even more challenging for Germany's message to be heard by Southern countries, particularly South Africa, urging them to shut down their coal power plants.