A change of course in energy policy is overdue

The Coal Importers Association e. V. (VDKi), Berlin/Germany, is calling on the new German government to allow the introduction of CO₂ capture systems (CCU/CCS) for the modern and newer hard coal-fired power plants in Wilhelmshaven, in the Ruhr region (Duisburg, Datteln, Lünen) and in the south-west (Mannheim, Karlsruhe). The coalition agreement provides for the introduction of CCU/CCS technology for industry and for the new gas-fired power plants to be built. The VDKi is also calling for this option for hard coal-fired power plants, which essentially run in back-up operation.

From the VDKi’s point of view, retrofitting modern hard coal-fired power plants with CCU/CCS technology is far more cost-effective than building new gas-fired power plants. The possible use of green ammonia in coal-fired power plants to reduce CO₂ emissions should also be taken into account. This reduces the costs of the energy transition. In addition, hard coal is no more harmful to the climate than other fossil fuels used to generate electricity if the entire supply chain is considered.

The VDKi supports the new German government in its plans to utilise the hard coal-fired power plants with a capacity of 6.9 GW that are currently in reserve operation to curb electricity prices. The past winter has shown that when dark doldrums occur, the capacity of the secured output is not sufficient to keep the listed electricity prices at a tolerable level for the industry. VDKi Chairman of the Board Alexander Bethe: “Utilising the reserve power plants in these phases is the right thing to do. This leads to a reduction in winter electricity prices and prevents ultra-high price peaks, as happened last winter.“

The VDKi is also calling for a change of course in energy policy. The new Minister of Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche, has announced a “pragmatic energy policy”. Quote: “I am personally in favour of a realistic, innovation-driven and reliable course with clear goals.” The VDKi strongly supports this. For the VDKi, one thing is certain: Energy must remain affordable for citizens, otherwise acceptance of the energy transition will be lost. Controllable energy is needed for stable security of supply. This is why the new fleet of hard coal-fired power plants in particular should continue to be used in backup operation. The plants do not contradict the political goal of phasing out coal. This is because these power plants hardly have any impact on the CO₂ balance with short operating times. Bethe: “Without the backup of hard coal-fired power plants, there will be no energy security in the medium term.”

In view of the crises in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, the VDKi once again emphasises the security of supply aspect of hard coal imports. Hard coal is not affected by geopolitical events due to its broad availability in different regions of the world (Table 1). (VDKi/Si.)