2024-04-06 11:20:00
The climate activists called for a stop to coal imports from Colombia. They smeared rails with red paint, which is said to represent the so-called “blood coal” from South America. Because dismantling them would result in massive violations of human rights again and again, according to the “Ende Gelaende” group.
Around 20 activists set up a blockade in front of the main gate of the power plant from 5:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. A self-made wooden scaffolding in the parking lot was intended to make car access more difficult. Pyrotechnics were ignited. According to “Ende Gelaende”, 30 activists came to the premises of the energy supplier Uniper.
Activists lie down on the tracks
Our reporter on the scene reported that about 70 other people from the activist group occupied the rail access to the site. Other activists rappelled down from a bridge over the tracks. Today, no train carrying coal would travel to the power plant, according to a police spokesman.
Meeting dissolved in the early afternoon
Hundreds of police have been on site since 1 p.m. Shortly after 2 p.m., the police officially broke up the meeting. Work is now underway to achieve a de-escalating and peaceful resolution – there was no specific timescale given. A detailed statement from the power plant operator Uniper is expected later in the day. In an initial statement, representatives emphasized that the company was working with NGOs and that the coal was “clean.”
Background: Who is the “Ende Gelanden” group?
The activist group “Ende Gelände” was founded in 2015 and primarily advocates for a timely phase-out of coal in Germany. But according to its own statements, it also pursues and supports other goals that are intended to serve environmental protection. According to the website, it also coordinates with other anti-nuclear and anti-coal movements.
In the past, the group had already achieved nationwide fame through protest actions, for example with protests against planned liquid gas terminals on Rügen or in protests against the evacuation of Lützerath in 2022.
Background: coal from abroad
Hard coal has not been mined in Germany since 2018 and coal-fired power plants have been systematically taken offline since 2020. However, a complete end to coal-fired power generation in Germany is not planned until 2038, according to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). Until then, power plant operators will have to rely on coal imports from abroad.
Sources:
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