Germany Opens Way For Gas Beyond 2035 With Subsidy Extension
- Now there’s no clear off ramp for gas in Germany’s power mix
- Plants could keep running beyond 2035 clean power grid goal
The Mitte Combined Heat and Power natural gas power plant, in Berlin.
Photographer: Yen Duong/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Germany’s parliament has extended a support scheme for some gas plants by four years to 2030, in a law hurried through just before the general election on Feb. 23.
The Economy Ministry estimates that the subsidies will run for 12 years, meaning that the final applicants in 2030 will be allowed to operate stations beyond 2035 - the target date for carbon-free power production. The scheme applies to combined heat and power plants that burn gas and has been opposed by environmental groups.