The fear of fuel shortages during the Ukraine war could lead to the renaissance of an energy source that has already been declared dead: lignite.
According to information from the FAZ, the federal government, which is dominated by green energy issues, is planning to extend the so-called security stand-by for five remaining power plant blocks of the operators RWE and Leag with an output of 1.9 gigawatts.
Christian Geinitz
Business correspondent in Berlin
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It is true that lignite emits the most carbon dioxide, which is why its use should be ended as quickly as possible.
However, it is the only energy source in Germany that is sufficiently available that can be used as a base load, can be regulated and is available around the clock.
In view of the uncertainties about Russian deliveries, Economics Minister Robert Habeck and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (both Greens) have been thinking for some time about taking coal-fired power plants back on line from the reserve and not sending current plants to the reserve for the time being.