Germany is in no hurry to part with coal

Burning coal to generate electricity looks set to remain the backbone of Germany's energy supply for decades, in stark contrast to Chancellor Angela Merkel's ambitions to be a role model in the fight against climate change.

Merkel is avoiding a sensitive coal phase-out in Europe's largest economy, which could destroy tens of thousands of jobs and negatively impact the September 24 elections, in which she hopes to win a fourth term in office.

Although more than € 20 billion is spent annually on the development of the green energy sector in Germany, coal still accounts for 40 percent of energy production, 10 percent less than in 2000.

To avoid disruptions in the energy and manufacturing sectors, coal imports and mines must continue to operate despite the switch to fossil-free energy.

“Coal makes a great contribution to the security of energy supplies in Germany and Europe, and this will continue for a long time,” Wolfgang Zieslik, chairman of VDKi's coal lobbyists, told reporters last week.

He also stressed that this is critical for steel production in Germany, the seventh largest producer in the world, which uses a quarter of the country's coal imports.

Critics point to the irony in Merkel's tacit support for coal, given that she criticized US President Donald Trump for canceling the Paris climate agreement after promising voters that he would raise environmental standards and restore jobs for coal mining. ...