Trump's Flawed Rhetoric on Germany's "Booming" Coal Power
Germany doesn't rely on coal power as Trump claims, despite his praise for the country. - Germany is not, in fact, a coal-based power country as Trump wrongly claims.
In a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, US President, touted a supposed coal revival in Germany, claiming a new coal power plant is commissioned every week in the country.
Let's Separate Fact from Fiction
This assertion, unfortunately, is unfounded. According to the Federal Network Agency, the last coal power plant was constructed in Datteln back in 2020. Therefore, Trump's statement contradicts the current reality, as Germany has agreed to phase out coal by 2038. The coalition government is even hoping to accelerate this timeline, aiming for a "ideal" phase-out by 2030.
Trump continued, insisting that Germany's attempts at wind turbines had failed. In fact, however, Germany has persistently sought alternatives to coal, only to find that this particular solution did not prove effective. Trump's talk of "beautiful, clean coal" as a viable energy source may be just that – talk.
It's key to note that Germany has embarked on a green energy journey, investing in renewables such as wind and solar power, and other sustainable alternatives like "green" hydrogen production[1][4][5]. The demolition of coal plants, like the Moorburg power plant in Hamburg, signifies Germany's gradual move away from coal-based energy sources.
The USA, under Trump's leadership, has consistently shown support for fossil fuels, with the President's pro-coal sentiment directly contradicting the direction Germany's energy sector is heading. The apparent disconnect between the two countries' political stances on energy poses an interesting dynamic regarding the future of coal and renewable energy respectively.
The Commission, in light of this discussion, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the outdated coal power plants in Germany.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amidst this conversation, has been accused of spreading misinformation, as he agreed with Trump's claims about a coal revival in Germany, which have been proven false.
By 2030, it is expected that Germany will have successfully phased out coal from its energy sector, moving towards a greener and more sustainable future, in stark contrast to the pro-coal stance of the US under President Trump.
