UKRAINE CRISIS: Europe may shift back to coal to tackle its

energy crisis as Turns down gas flows

Germany, Italy, Austria, Netherlands Signal Shift
In what is to be deemed as a major issue in Global context, Europe’s biggest Russian gas
buyers raced to find alternative fuel supplies on Monday and could burn more coal to cope
with reduced gas flows from Russia that threaten an energy crisis in winter if stores are not
refilled. Germany, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands have all signalled that coal fired power
plants could help see the continent through a crisis that has sent gas prices surging and
added to the challenge facing policymakers battling inflation.

Coal is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and air

pollution

Coal is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and air pollution — and extending
the lifespan of coal-fired power plants in Europe is likely to increase carbon emissions in the
short term.

Nevertheless, experts argued that the war in Ukraine has led to increased commitments for
a swift energy transition away from fossil fuels.

"Governments are doing wherever they can to ensure that the lights stay on this winter and
to secure energy supplies given the current threat. But this is being matched with increased
ambition," Charles Moore, from the energy think tank Ember, told EU observer.

Moore said that this is notable, for example, in the UK — where the government has agreed
to extend the lifespan of coal-fired power plants during the winter while increasing the
offshore renewable target.

Likewise, the EU's reorientation towards mainly Liquified natural gas (LNG) imports has been
linked with an increase in the EU's renewable energy target.

But concerns over the impact of these short-term measures on climate policies and
international commitments remain.
The UN said on Sunday that the only way to ensure energy security is to accelerate the
rollout of renewables.

"The only true path to energy security, stable power prices, prosperity & a liveable planet
lies in abandoning polluting fossil fuels — especially coal," said UN chief António Guterres.