Germany, Phase Out Coal Now!

In the long run, the energy transition will only work if coal is phased out, and the faster the better. While the new Grand Coalition in Germany has not been able to take this step for the time being, pressure from outside is growing. More and more countries have set specific exit targets. If Germany does not want to be on the coal sinner's side with Trump's America in the near future, quick action is required.

As Treehugger points out, France's phasing out of coal is not in itself a big deal: after all, the country still relies largely on nuclear energy. The UK's publicity campaign to phase out coal a few months ago also falls into a similar category, as work has been going on on the island for some time to withdraw coal-fired power stations. Even in Ireland, which only recently took the side of coal opponents, only one coal-fired power plant is in operation, which is now to be shut down by 2025.

On the other hand, the phase out of other countries is a major deal: Chile has not yet officially announced its withdrawal from the coal market, but the signs are increasing. New power plants are no longer being built and the large energy companies are exchanging alternatives in a working group. In addition, renewable energies, especially solar and wind power, are booming.

A similar story is heard in Italy, where Enel, the largest energy supplier, is also pushing the switch to green electricity. This puts the country in line with other states such as New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada and Finland, which also want to get out of coal.

So it's about time, Germany!