MINEX Forum

Tag: coal-fired power stations

  • Kazakhstan Turns to Nuclear Energy to Power Future Growth

    Kazakhstan Turns to Nuclear Energy to Power Future Growth

    In a meeting with his Government on 28 January 2025, Kazakhstan’s President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev emphasised the critical need for the country to achieve full self-sufficiency in electricity and establish reserves of 15-20%. To meet this goal, the government plans to introduce at least 3 gigawatts of new power capacity over the next two years, a target nearly 2.5 times higher than previous years.

    President Tokayev reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, stressing the importance of a rational approach that leverages Kazakhstan’s natural resources and inherent advantages. Innovative coal-fired power stations are set to replace outdated thermal power plants (TPPs), following the successful examples of next-generation coal-fired power stations with minimal emissions in China and South Korea. The President noted the missed opportunity of the unbuilt coal-fired power plant in Balkhash, which would have been a valuable energy source today.

    Amid growing energy shortages, President Tokayev called for the acceleration of the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and the establishment of a nuclear cluster. He tasked the government and “Samruk-Kazyna” with developing long-term plans for the nuclear industry, including identifying suitable locations for future nuclear power plants and adopting modern, safe technologies.

    President Tokayev expects proposals from the government and Parliament regarding the site for the second nuclear power plant, reiterating the necessity of nuclear energy for Kazakhstan’s continued development. He emphasized that energy is the driving force of the entire economy, and only by ensuring energy supply to all regions can the country achieve prosperity and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

  • Germany Shuts Down Seven Coal-Fired Power Stations Over Easter

    Germany Shuts Down Seven Coal-Fired Power Stations Over Easter

    Over the Easter weekend, Germany closed seven coal-fired power stations, according to statements from power generators RWE and LEAG on Sunday. The government’s decision to reactivate five plants during the winter due to a gas supply shortfall, coupled with its efforts to decrease reliance on Russian gas, led to this action.

    Five of the shut-down plants were situated in the Rheinish mining district near Cologne, Western Germany, including sites like Grevenbroich-Neurath and Bergheim-Niederaussem. This move results in decommissioning approximately 2,100 megawatts (MW) of lignite capacity, as stated by operator RWE. Additionally, two plants in Jänschwalde, Brandenburg, near Berlin, were shut down after being brought back online recently.

    The decision to keep coal plants operational stemmed from Germany’s strategy to address climate change, which faced challenges following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In response to the war and subsequent energy price spikes, Germany opted to extend the lifespan of some coal-fired plants and temporarily restart others. This strategy also involved delaying the closure of several nuclear power plants as a contingency measure.

    Despite concerns, Germany’s grid operator assured the public that the shutdown of coal plants wouldn’t impair power supply security following the end of the 2023/4 winter season. However, the decision to delay closures necessitates a review by the Economy Ministry to assess the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and propose offsetting measures by the end of June.

    The move to close coal-fired power plants was praised by Green Party lawmaker Kathrin Henneberger, who emphasized its significance in combating the climate crisis and achieving climate goals.