Various forms of power are mentioned here. - Harsh scrutiny of discussions regarding coal phase-out.
The top government leaders of Saxony and Brandenburg, Michael Kretschmer and Dietmar Woidke, have strongly criticized the ongoing discussions about phasing out coal. They had previously agreed to phase out lignite by 2038, saying that the concerns of the regions mattered to them. "We're not just astonished, but annoyed by the way dates have been randomly thrown out over the past few years that have no legal basis," Kretschmer stated after a joint meeting of state cabinets at the Boxberg power plant on Tuesday. "Germany is a constitutional state, and there's a law for a coal phase-out in 2038. If we're going to change that, we'd have to talk to the people in the regions and political leaders. This would be the right way to create a new consensus."
The G7 decision made on Monday to phase out coal by 2035 is the opposite, according to Kretschmer. "It destroys trust," he continued, asking what basis the year 2035 is being discussed. "Definitely not on the current laws in the Federal Republic of Germany and definitely not on the basis of economic possibilities."
Kretschmer also referred to a recent report by the German Energy Industry Association which revealed "an incredible figure of 1,200 billion euros" for the cost of the energy transition. This is not feasible, both financially and technically, he said. "In addition, it's highly unlikely what energy would cost if that were to happen."
Kretschmer then offered to restart the energy transition, still with climate protection in mind, but with more focus on the price of electricity and its impact on the economy and society. "We need more expertise and practicality," he stated.
Woidke, on the other hand, drew attention to the G7 ministers' decision in Italy to phase out coal by 2035. "I'm no longer interested in the numbers because they have no mathematical or factual foundation," said Brandenburg's head of government. "I'm not surprised by this decision," he added, noting that a similar decision was made in 2022 by G7 ministers to phase out coal by 2035. "Gas-fired power plants, which the Federal Minister of Economics is currently promoting in Brussels, should have been shut down and dismantled by then."
Many people in the region are worried about their prospects and jobs, Woidke said. "Then the behavior here is at least grossly negligent."
In response to the G7 decision, Saxony's Energy and Climate Protection Minister Wolfram Günther disagreed. "2038 was and is no guarantee for the continued existence of coal production," he said. "Claiming otherwise is economically illogical." He noted that coal companies themselves are moving towards more renewables. "Every year we stop burning climate-damaging coal earlier is a year gained for environmental protection."
The Greens' Günther believes that the rapid expansion of renewable energy is economically sound and necessary for climate policy. "We need to stop using coal as quickly as possible," he announced. "It's positive news that the leading industrial nations are committing to a binding latest possible phase-out date."
Woidke sees the structural change as an opportunity for Lusatia. He believes both countries share the same philosophy of innovation, technology, and infrastructure expansion. There are many points of contact with what has already been achieved together in education and new industries that will create new jobs, he continued. "We believe that the federal government still has a duty to implement its plan, especially when it comes to infrastructure. We've tackled the things we've talked about and we'll continue to do so."
The meeting was intended to signal to everyone residing and working in Lusatia that both states are still committed to what they've promised. They could demonstrate numerous successes while asking for trust to walk this path together for the good of the region and its people. According to Woidke, it's vital that the questions of the future of the energy supply system as a whole be answered. "These discussions are causing significant harm to the region because there's simply no professional basis for these debates and the changing figures."
Brandenburg has made progress with renewable energies but knows its limitations. They must move from unreliable to reliable energy sources, said Woidke, which is a "major challenge." Together with Saxony as a close partner, they will keep working to ensure a stable and secure energy supply in Germany and a fair price development in the energy sector. "We need a practical but targeted policy here."
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Source: www.stern.de
