NRW's Top Brass, Wüst, Pressures Feds for Swift Gas Plant Plan
Minister President Hendrik Wüst of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is putting the pedal to the metal, urging the federal government to swiftly formulate a strategy for new gas-powered energy plants, fearing any delays could jeopardize the state's pledge to bid adieu to coal by 2030. "Time's a-tickin'," stressed Wüst.
The construction of these new plants is a marathon affair, spanning at least five to six years from approval to completion. Since NRW needs six gas-powered plants to maintain its energy supply, especially during periods when wind and solar energy output falters, Wüst implores the government to accelerate this strategy without further ado to avoid such delays.
WRAPPING UP NRW
- The state of NRW plans to phase out lignite mining by 2023, eight years ahead of schedule, following an agreement between major industries and local and federal governments.
- NRW overshadows Bavaria in wind energy capacity tenders this year, approving 278 turbines, twenty times the Bavarian record.
- RWE, a leading energy company, calls for a swift federal regulatory framework for constructing gas-powered plants with hydrogen capabilities.
Wüst, helming the Renewable Energy Ministry in NRW, is a champion of sustainable energy sources, with a focus on introducing wind power at record speeds.
The Long and Short of It
Wüst desires the federal government to rev up their engines and quickly draft a strategy for constructing new gas-powered plants to secure NRW's environmental commitments.
Sources:
- RWE announced its coal exit by 2030 (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/rwe-speed-up-coal-exit-2030-sparking-speculation-rivalry-2021-04-22/)
- German economy on the brink of contraction (https://www.dw.com/en/german-economy-faces-deep-crisis-as-inflation-jumps/a62068612)
- Fraunhofer IEG builds a living laboratory for geothermal energy (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324330668_Fraunhofer_IEG_Builds_a_Living_Laboratory_for_Geothermal_Energy)
- Opposition to Garzweiler coal mine expansion (https://www.dw.com/en/german-court-approves-garzweiler-coal-mine-expansion-over-environment-protests/a-55561926)
