German Chancellor says reactivation of thermoelectric plants is “temporary”

the prime minister of Germany , Olaf Scholz said on Twitter this Sunday (17) that the reactivation of thermoelectric power plants generating energy via coal and natural gas is “temporary” and “bitter”.

In the publication, Scholz attributed the choice to Russian attack on Ukraine which resulted in a series of sanctions by Western countries against the country, a disruption in the commercialization of natural gas Russian gas and a cut in gas exports to large consumers, such as Germany.

Natural gas is Germany’s second main energy source, and that exported by Russia corresponds to 40% of the total consumed in the largest economy in the Europe .

In June, Germany officially declared that it faces a shortage of natural gas, demanding a crisis plan to try to secure supplies before winter begins in December in Europe.

With the lack of natural gas, the country turned to other sources, especially coal reactivating thermoelectric plants that were deactivated in the midst of an energy transition process to renewable and less polluting sources.

However, according to Scholz, the country remains determined to reduce the use of polluting sources in the medium and long term. “We want to be one of the first industrialized countries to become #CO2neutral. Especially now!”, he said, referring to the so-called neutrality of gas emissions that contribute to the climate changes .

By the end of June, the gas reserves were 58% full, but the ideal would be to reach 90% for the cold season, when the demand for gas for heating is very high. If this does not occur, the country may be forced to implement rationing.

You United States have sought to help European Union and offset the reduction in Russian supplies through liquefied natural gas. However, a fire in a production plant in Texas forced a stop in production for 90 days, affecting the quantity delivered.