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Germany is struggling with an energy crisis: Passenger rail transport goes by the wayside for coal

Germany is struggling with an energy crisis: Passenger rail transport goes by the wayside for coal
photo: Moravian-Silesian Region/Germany is struggling with an energy crisis: Passenger rail transport goes by the wayside for coal
26 / 08 / 2022

The German government is taking steps to ensure energy security in the wake of the ongoing energy crisis.

To that end, they have decided to prioritize coal over passenger transport on the railways to generate electricity from coal-fired power stations.

This move comes amid concerns over the natural gas supply due to the war in Ukraine. The decision was made by the ministers of economy and transport, Robert Habeck and Volker Wissing, in a meeting of the German government.

Busy rail corridors will now be used to transport coal and other strategic commodities, while the possibility of shipping has been ruled out due to low river levels. Short-term measures to reduce energy consumption include a ban on heating public buildings above 19°C, and a ban on overnight lighting of building facades and advertising areas. Hospitals or kindergartens are exempt from the heating ban.

Long-term measures, such as the introduction of compulsory heating system adjustments during regular inspections, are also being considered. However, these measures require approval from the Federal Council representing the German regions. The German government is also trying to replenish its gas storage before the heating season, which is currently only about 80% full. Whether this plan will be successful remains to be seen.

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