Czechs eyes coal phase-out by 2038

(EurActiv, 7 Dec 2020) The Czech coal commission recommended to phase out coal by 2038. Environmental groups, who fought for 2033, were outvoted and walked out of the commission in protest.

During a meeting on Friday, a majority of commission members voted to phase out coal by 2038, the same date as Germany.

The commission’s recommendation is not legally binding and will now be discussed by the Czech government.

Karel Havlíček, the Czech minister for industry, trade and transport, presented the outcome of the commission’s meeting as a compromise.

“Looking at the capacities, financial resources and commitments to the EU in 2030 and 2050, the year 2038 is viable both technologically and in terms of the timetable,” said Havlíček who is known for his sceptical stance towards the EU’s climate targets.

Havlíček is co-chair of the Czech coal commission. Environment Minister Richard Brabec, the other co-chair, sided with environmental groups in supporting an earlier coal phase-out date by 2033 but was outvoted.

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EurActiv, 7 Dec 2020: Czechs eyes coal phase-out by 2038