Extension of coal energy?: Habeck: security of supply more important than climate protection

Extension of coal energy?
Habeck: Security of supply is more important than climate protection

The Greens have long fought for a coal phase-out. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Economics Minister Habeck is moving away from this goal for the time being: Germany must become independent of Russian gas – if necessary with the help of coal-fired power plants.

Economics Minister Robert Habeck does not rule out that coal-fired power plants in Germany will have to run longer in order to make the country more independent of Russia in terms of energy policy. “Pragmatism must beat any political determination, security of supply must be guaranteed,” said the Greens politician on Deutschlandfunk. In case of doubt, this security is more important than climate protection. In the medium term, however, independence in energy policy and climate-neutral energy production are the same. The more Germany relies on its own energy sources, the more confidently the country can react in foreign policy.

In recent years, dependence on Russian energy supplies has increased, said Habeck. “We maneuvered ourselves into a corner there,” said the minister. But even if Russia should stop its gas supplies, one is prepared. “I can give the all-clear for the current winter and summer, we would get through that well.”

Habeck, who traveled to the United States for political talks on Monday, reported that after the U-turn in defense policy, Germany was perceived there as a strong partner. The US and Europe are fighting for the same values ​​- even if the US has a strong interest of its own in trade and energy policy.

Regarding the change of course in German defense policy, Habeck said: “The arms deliveries, which have now been decided, might have been a measure to prevent the war.” To be honest, however, one has to say that little would have stopped Russian President Vladimir Putin from attacking Ukraine.

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