The German Ministry of Economy has developed a bill that will restart the operation of old coal-fired power plants due to the threat of gas shortages in winter, the costs are planned to change for consumers, Tagesspiegel writes in reference to the document. Today the German gas storage capacity is 58%. According to INES, in a harsh winter, shares may be released as early as January. According to the publication, reserve stations in the network, regarding the ban on burning coal will enter into force in 2026-2028, will be able to provide additional capacity until the end of 2028. The operators will be required to maintain ready service and fuel, and the costs will be distributed through network fees. The ministry hopes that coal oil and fuel will help save gas and fuel. However, the law was criticized by the Greens and the SPD. Michael Kellner, a spokesman for the Greens, said the ministry was "encouraging old stations in a panic" and compared the idea to skiing in the summer. SPD questioned the document's compliance with EU norms and climate goals.

The German Ministry of Economy has developed a bill that will restart the operation of old coal-fired power plants due to the threat of gas shortages in winter, the costs are planned to change for consumers, Tagesspiegel writes in reference to the document. Today the German gas storage capacity is 58%. According to INES, in a harsh winter, shares may be released as early as January. According to the publication, reserve stations in the network, regarding the ban on burning coal will enter into force in 2026-2028, will be able to provide additional capacity until the end of 2028. The operators will be required to maintain ready service and fuel, and the costs will be distributed through network fees. The ministry hopes that coal oil and fuel will help save gas and fuel. However, the law was criticized by the Greens and the SPD. Michael Kellner, a spokesman for the Greens, said the ministry was "encouraging old stations in a panic" and compared the idea to skiing in the summer. SPD questioned the document's compliance with EU norms and climate goals.