About: coal power
Unions tell Poland to push coal as UN climate host
Poland’s trade unions are mounting a defence of coal workers against the impacts of climate policies in a government-backed conference this week. EURACTIV's partner Climate Home News reports.
Why new coal in Turkey and the Balkans will test China’s and EU’s climate leadership
The EU and China have to live up to their responsibilities on climate change and use every opportunity to support the Western Balkans and Turkey to move beyond coal. This means renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, not new coal, argue Elif Gündüzyeli and Igor Kalaba.
Energy transition: EU unity’s missing jigsaw piece?
Decarbonising Europe’s economy and meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement are among the EU’s main priorities. Depending on the level of ambition and the course the EU energy policy ship takes, the result could be either a more united or divided continent.
Beyond coal, nationalism and EU accession: Squaring the circle for Kosovo
Joining the EU means meeting all of its rules and criteria, including energy legislation. But bloc-hopeful Kosovo, just like its other Balkan neighbours, is struggling to make any headway there, writes Philippe Charlez.
Finland confirms coal exit ahead of schedule in 2029
Finland’s environment minister said on Tuesday (10 April) his country will ban the use of coal in energy generation in 2029. The Finnish government is also looking into a large-scale subsidy scheme that will reward energy firms for ditching the fossil fuel ahead of time.
EU carbon market emissions rise for first time in 7 years in 2017
Emissions regulated under Europe's carbon market rose for the first time in seven years in 2017 due to stronger industrial output, data published on Tuesday (3 April) by the European Commission and examined by carbon analysts showed.
Poles reject ‘totally unacceptable’ EU power market reform
A phase out of government subsidies for coal power, supported by the European Parliament under a proposed revision of EU electricity market rules, was rejected by the Polish power sector as a reflection of “double standards” in Europe because it leaves German coal plants largely off the hook.
Coal power decline ‘not fast enough’ to meet UN climate goals
The number of coal-fired power plants built worldwide fell steeply over the past two years, but emissions are too high to keep global warming within relatively safe levels, campaigners said on Thursday (22 March).
Believe it or not, the EU can look to the US for inspiration on ending coal subsidies
In January this year, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of the United States unanimously rejected proposals by the Trump administration that would have allowed coal subsidies under the guise of energy "resilience". This is exactly the principle that should now guide EU legislators, writes Joanna Flisowska.
Is the private sector really saving coal in Greece?
Greece has no long-term energy plan despite frequent promises for its imminent announcement from all Greek governments since 2007, writes Nikos Mantzaris.
Polish mayor: ‘The future belongs to cities’
The city of Wrocław is one of Poland’s success stories, where job creation has hit record highs and environmental objectives are taken seriously. Wrocław’s long-serving mayor revealed his city’s future-leaning path and the advantages of being part of a Europe-wide network of mayors.
EU court rules against Poland’s air pollution
The Court of Justice ruled on Thursday (22 February) that Poland has infringed air quality laws, urging Warsaw to comply "without delay" or face fines after finding that the country has regularly exceeded fine particle limits for years.
MEPs take big step towards energy market reform
MEPs have decided to impose strict rules on mechanisms often used as coal power subsidies and to support small-scale renewable energy producers. But the European Parliament now faces the fight of its life to convince member states of its ambitious position.
Momentum builds behind higher renewables target
Europe could pursue a more ambitious renewable energy target for 2030 and still keep costs affordable, according to a new European Commission-backed study, which suggests a 34% benchmark ahead of all-important institutional talks.
Greece’s private sector steps in to ‘upgrade and save’ public coal plant
Private companies have made offers to Greece’s public power company to environmentally upgrade and economically “save” a lignite power plant about to shut, as it falls foul of the EU’s CO2 emission standards.
OECD urges countries to tax dirty energy
The OECD has encouraged governments to start taxing CO2 emissions more aggressively, in a new report which warns that current taxation levels are not enough to fight climate change effectively
Brussels muddies waters on state aid for coal power
A European Commission decision on Wednesday (7 February) to approve state aid for emergency power plants – often gas or coal-fired – has been accused of complicating ongoing negotiations in the European Parliament.
Greek coal: The EU’s dirty little secret
A decision imposed by the EU on Greece to sell a large proportion of its lignite coal assets could be disastrous for consumers and the sustainability of Greece’s energy model, warns Nikos Mantzaris.
EU’s air pollution pariahs summoned to Brussels
Environment ministers from some of the EU’s worst air pollution offenders have been summoned to Brussels for an end-of-month meeting with the European Commission, where they will have to answer some tough questions.
Energy and environment in 2018: A preview
2018 looks set to be a defining year for energy and environment policy in Europe, as important legislative files move towards becoming EU law.
Macedonian smog envelopes cities, emergency measures introduced
As 2017 ended and 2018 began, Macedonia took emergency measures against dense smog enveloping its cities, an annual winter scourge in the Western Balkans blamed on a mix of coal burning, ageing industry and high-polluting emissions from older vehicles.
UK government spells out plan to shut down coal plants
One of the UK’s eight remaining coal power stations is expected to cease generating electricity this year, the government has said as it laid out new rules that will force all the plants to close by 2025. EURACTIV's partner The Guardian reports.
Slovakia considers exiting coal in 2023, Sefcovic eyes geothermal energy
While Energy Union boss Maroš Šefčovič is making a case for a transition to geothermal energy in the Upper Nitra region of Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico still believes in the future of lignite mining. EURACTIV Slovakia reports.