Two More Coal-Fired Power Projects Blocked in Germany

German coal-based power plants have been taking the cut for various reasons. Recently, two more planned coal-based plants have been shelved, totalling nine since March 2009.

Prominent energy firms have been forced to shut down their projects because of public resistance in the region. E.ON AG has announced its decision to stop work on a proposed 550-megawatt (MW), coal-fired plant in Wilhelmshaven. A pilot project was under way at the location, which sought to achieve a process efficiency of more than 50%. However, it was found that the technology was not ready for commercial use, and hence the project was scrapped.

Municipal utility Stadtwerke Düsseldorf (Düsseldorf, Germany) has decided to cancel its plans to set up a 400-MW power plant as well. The project failed due to economic concerns and increased pressure from environmentalists. With the low-carbon energy sector gaining prominence in the country, the company is planning to divert investments toward renewable ventures based on wind, solar, biomass and biogas sources, as well as combined heat and power gas-fired units.

In all, nine coal-based power projects have been called off during the last year. Natural gas and electricity supplier GDF Suez S.A. (Paris, France) also has shelved its project. Finally, energy company EnBW's recent 800-MW plant, which is at Stade in northern Germany, has been abandoned due to a noise pollution ruling from the local court.

Coal accounts for about 50% of the power generated in Germany. Public resistance, environmental legislation, and project development costs are a few factors against coal-fired plants. Environmental groups have been actively challenging the permits already granted to new coal-based projects. Several projects under construction are thus suffering costly delays. Consequently, power project developers have become risk-averse and are keen to secure legally sound permits and licenses before proceeding with a project. Further, the uncertainty of carbon prices and carbon-capture technology suggests that coal is unlikely to remain Germany's fuel of choice in the future.

Gas and renewable energy are the other alternatives on hand if nuclear energy is not given much importance. With the Nordstream pipeline from Russia already under construction, gas availability will be made easier, but the country will depend on imported gas. The pipeline has the capacity to transport about 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year.


SOURCE : http://www.industrialinfo.com/