The uncertain future of the coal energy industry in Germany. OSW COMMENTARY #188, 2015-10-20

Germany’s current energy strategy, known as the “energy transition”, or Energiewende, involves an accelerated withdrawal from the use of nuclear power plants and the development of renewable energy sources (RES). According to the government’s plans, the share of RES in electricity production will gradually increase from its present rate of 26% to 80% in 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions are expected to fall by 80–95% by 2050 when compared to 1990 levels. However, coal power plants still predominate in Germany’s energy mix – they produced 44% of electricity in 2014 (26% from lignite and 18% from hard coal). This makes it difficult to meet the emission reduction objectives, lignite combustion causes the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions. In order to reach the emission reduction goals, the government launched the process of accelerating the reduction of coal consumption. On 2 July, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy published a plan to reform the German energy market which will be implemented during the present term of government. Emission reduction from coal power plants is the most important issue. This problem has been extensively discussed over the past year and has transformed into a conflict between the government and the coal lobby. The dispute reached its peak when lignite miners took to the streets in Berlin. As the government admits, in order to reach the long-term emission reduction objectives, it is necessary to completely liquidate the coal energy industry in Germany. This is expected to take place within 25 to 30 years. However, since the decision to decommission nuclear power plants was passed, the German ecological movement and the Green Party have shifted their attention to coal power plants, demanding that these be decommissioned by 2030 at the latest.

1993 Men's Gymnastics Team

Back Row: Mat Burleson, Evan Feldman, Bob Young, Chris Onuska, Brad Terris, Geoff Bidwell, Kris Klinger, Jason Taft

Middle Row: head coach Bob Darden, Chris Burkhardt, Rich Dopp, Chris Bonifiorti, Raul Molina, John Besancon, Coney Huttenga, Paul Mariani, Brian Winkler, mngr. Stacey Shingte, asst. coach Mike Milidonis

Front Row: Royce Toni, Ben Verrall, Seth Rubin, Josh Miners, Matt Marsich, Jorge Camacho, Mike Mott, trainer Jon Fetter

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Mode of access: Internet.

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Mode of access: Internet.

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Social security rulings on Federal old-age, survivors, disability, supplemental security income, and black lung benefits.

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Das bayerische knappschaftswesen, mit berücksichtigung der arbeiterfürsorge des staates als bergwerks-, hutten- und salinen-besitzer bis zum erlass des berggessetzes vom 20. Marz 1869.

Mode of access: Internet.

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Cooperative agreement /

Imprint varies.

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Mode of access: Internet.

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Type-written letter: "To all employees" from J. F. Welborn, president of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, written after the findings of the Colorado Industrial Commission (mounted at end)

Joint Conference of the Illinois Coal Operators Association, the Coal Operators Association of the Fifth and Ninth Districts of Illinois, the Central Illinois Coal Operators Association and the United Mine Workers of America, District No. 12. Peoria, Illinois, April 2 to May 5, 1914.

Mode of access: Internet.