The proposal to extend the subsidy granted to coal-fired power plants aroused opposition, as it is considered to complicate the green transition of the European economy.
On Monday, the EU member states failed to reach an agreement on reforming the Union’s electricity market.
The energy ministers of the member states gathered in Luxembourg were divided, among other things, on a proposal that would continue the temporary support given to coal power.
The Swedish Minister of Energy, who hosted the meeting, told about the final result Ebba Buschaccording to which the negotiations on reforming the electricity market will nevertheless continue.
The ministers had gathered to look for structural reforms in the energy market that would support the EU’s transition towards renewable energy. At the same time, the reforms should ensure that the EU region does not see the same sharp rise in electricity prices as last winter.
The negotiations were complicated by a last-minute proposal made by Sweden, the country holding the EU presidency, which would give member countries the opportunity to extend the support given to coal-fired power plants. The aim of this support is to ensure that coal-fired power plants are kept ready to avoid power outages.
Among others, Austria, Germany and Belgium opposed this initiative, the news agency Reuters writes.
It is difficult to break away from Russia
The reason for slowing down the shutdown of coal-fired power plants is that some member states of the Union are having trouble getting enough energy without gas bought from Russia.
– For some of us, security means a capacity market, comments the Polish climate minister Anna Moskva.
Poland produces about 70 percent of its energy needs with coal power, and if Sweden’s proposal comes true, it could extend its support for coal power beyond 2025.
– This is not compatible with EU or national climate protection goals, says the German Minister of Economy and Climate Robert Habeck original proposal.
Even if the EU member states reach an agreement on a common position on reforming the electricity market, they still have to negotiate the final legal amendment with the EU Parliament.
The goal is to get the law approved before next year’s European elections, news agency Reuters reports.
Source: Reuters