[Berlin, 27th Archyde.com]-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on the 27th that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will lead to a major shift in energy policy in order to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. He announced at an extraordinary Diet session held to deal with the Ukrainian crisis. There is a possibility of extending the operating deadline of coal-fired power plants and nuclear power plants.
Germany is under pressure from other Western countries to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, but will phase out coal-fired power plants by 2030 and close nuclear power plants by the end of this year. According to the plan, there are few options.
Russian gas covers about half of Germany’s energy demand.
“The last few days have revealed that responsible, forward-looking energy policies are crucial not only for our economy and environment, but also for our security,” Scholz said. Pointed out. “We must change our policy to overcome the situation of dependence on imports from individual energy suppliers,” he said.
The new policy includes plans to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Brunsbüttel and Birhelmshafen.
According to Schortz, it will increase the capacity of its natural gas storage facility by 2 billion cubic meters over the long term and work with the European Union (EU) to purchase additional natural gas in the global market.
Harbeck, the Minister of Economy and Climate Protection (Greens), said he is considering extending the operating deadline of the nuclear power plants that are still in operation as a way to secure the country’s energy supply.
When asked if he would allow the extension of the existing nuclear power plant, Mr. Harbeck said, “It is our ministry’s duty to answer that question, and we do not deny the idea.”
He also pointed out that operating a coal-fired power plant longer than planned is one option. “There is no taboo in the examination,” he emphasized.