The 188MW Klingenberg lignite plant in Berlin is to close and will not be replaced by another coal-fired power station, much to the joy of a coalition of NGOs which welcomed this decision on Tuesday 23 May.
Though disappointed that Klingenberg is to be replaced by a combined gas turbine instead of with renewable power, the NGOs see the plant’s closure as a clear step in the right direction for the climate and human health.
“Phasing out coal as fast as possible is important for the climate, our health and human rights – in Berlin, Germany, Europe and worldwide”, said Laura Weis of Kohleausstieg (Ed: “Phase out coal”) Berlin, which had worked hard for this result.
“Congratulations, Berlin – another one down on the way to a European coal phase-out by 2030. Beyond closures, it is important for cities and countries to put in place a managed coal phase out with the goal of moving quickly to a fully renewables-based electricity system”, said Kathrin Gutmann of CAN (Climate Action Network) Europe.
Klingenberg is the 12th coal plant to close in Europe since January 2016 but there is still a way to go, with, according to a study published by the group of NGOs (see EUROPE 11587), coal generation responsible for 18% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions and 23,000 premature deaths from pollution. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)