Speed and shape of coal exit issue of contention between Greens and CDU

The approach to phasing out coal-fired power production in Germany has become a bone of contention between the prospective coalition partners, the conservative CDU and the environmentalist Green Party, as remarks made by both parties’ energy politicians at a conference organised by the Tagesspiegel newspaper in Berlin have shown. CDU politician Thomas Bareiß conceded that a German coal exit was inevitable in the long run, but added that its speed and shape still needed to be clarified. Nevertheless, he said he was confident a coalition agreement could be hammered out between his CDU party, its conservative Bavarian sister party CSU, the market liberal FDP, and the Green Party. On the other hand, his Green counterpart, Julia Verlinden, said she was less certain that the talks, which are scheduled to start on 18 October, would lead to a coalition government. “Very difficult talks lie ahead”, Verlinden said, arguing that the speed and shape of a coal exit could not be the subject of a prolonged debate if Germany took its climate protection targets seriously. An eventual coalition agreement had to include a clear roadmap for an accelerated phase out and for a corresponding expansion of renewable energy sources.

For background, read the CLEW article German Greens confident pro-climate government coalition possible and the factsheet Climate & energy stumbling blocks for Jamaica-coalition talks.

The Clean Energy Wire will publish an article on this topic later today.