Germany is considering reactivating coal-fired power plants to shore up its energy security this winter, a move that underscores the persistent challenges of Europe’s largest economy in decarbonising its electricity sector. The development, reported by multiple outlets, marks a significant retreat from the country’s ambitious climate targets. Meanwhile, the British grid continues to demonstrate the viability of a renewable-heavy system, despite facing similar geopolitical pressures.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, a Green party member, acknowledged that temporary coal usage may be necessary to compensate for reduced Russian gas supplies. The country has already activated a ‘gas alert’ phase and is now exploring the reopening of mothballed coal units. This pragmatic pivot highlights the tension between ideological commitments to the Energiewende and the grim realities of energy independence.
Let us examine the data. In 2021, Germany generated approximately 30% of its electricity from coal. This figure rose slightly in early 2022 as gas prices soared. The nation’s renewable capacity stands at around 46%, but intermittency remains a hurdle. Without sufficient storage or baseload alternatives, coal becomes the default stopgap.
Contrast this with the United Kingdom. Britain has effectively phased out coal, with coal accounting for less than 2% of generation in 2021. The grid’s average carbon intensity has fallen by over 60% since 2010, thanks to a mix of offshore wind, solar, and biomass. Even as winter approaches, the National Grid’s forecasts show a system able to meet demand with margins of 4 gigawatts or more. Why the difference?
Two factors: diversity and infrastructure. Britain benefits from a robust interconnector network to Norway, Denmark, and France, allowing electricity imports during tight periods. The country also maintains a strategic gas storage facility in Rough, which, while limited, provides a buffer. Germany, by contrast, relies heavily on Russian pipeline gas and has limited interconnectors. Its storage sites are filling slowly, at below 60% capacity as of July.
Furthermore, British renewable projects have been built with a sense of purpose. The Hornsea offshore wind farms, for instance, are among the largest in the world. The Contracts for Difference scheme has driven down costs, making wind competitive with fossil fuels. Germany’s renewable buildout has been hampered by bureaucratic delays and NIMBYism, particularly for wind turbines in the south.
There is also the matter of public perception. British households have largely accepted the energy transition, with smart meters and time-of-use tariffs becoming common. German citizens, however, face higher electricity prices partly due to renewable surcharges, and the government’s earlier decision to phase out nuclear power has further constrained options.
So what does this means for the planet? The carbon dioxide implications are stark. A return to coal in Germany could add 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually for each gigawatt of coal capacity operated. That is a significant setback for European climate goals. The UK, meanwhile, aims to decarbonise its power sector completely by 2035, a target that seems attainable if offshore wind rollouts continue.
Let us not romanticise. The British grid is not without issues. It still relies on gas for over 40% of electricity, and nuclear output is declining as old plants retire. But the trajectory is clear: renewables plus interconnectors and smart demand response are the path forward. Coal is a relic, not a solution.
Germany’s potential backslide serves as a cautionary tale. Political will, regulatory efficiency, and public engagement are as critical as technological innovation. The country that once led the clean energy movement now finds itself trailing. The UK, by maintaining its course, shows that even in crisis, the green grid can remain the gold standard.
