Germany has stated that it will take emergency measures to meet its energy requirements
Germany will take emergency measures to meet its energy demands following a decline in Russian gas supply, including greater coal use, the government announced on Sunday.
“Less gas must be utilized to generate electricity in order to reduce gas usage. Instead, coal-fired power plants would have to be used more, according to a statement from the economy ministry.
The move comes after Russian energy behemoth Gazprom announced last week that it will drastically reduce deliveries to Europe.
Gazprom claims that the Nord Stream pipeline supply cuts are due to maintenance, but EU officials believe Moscow is punishing Ukraine’s friends after Russian military invaded the country in February.
Berlin’s decision represents a U-turn for the ruling coalition of Social Democrats, Greens, and the liberal FDP, which has pledged to phase out coal by 2030.
In a statement, Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck remarked, “It’s harsh but necessary for decreasing gas usage.”
The government also announced a “auction” method for the sale of gas to manufacturers, which the government claims will help reduce consumption by the powerful sector.
Due to increased deliveries from countries like Norway and the Netherlands, as well as liquefied natural gas contracts, Berlin has been able to lower the share of its natural gas supplied by Russia from 55 percent prior to the invasion to 35 percent (LNG).
