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Coal usage in Europe has been undergoing significant changes in recent years due to various factors, including environmental concerns, government policies, and the growing renewable energy sector.
Coal is primarily used as a fossil fuel for electricity generation and industrial processes. Nowadays, there are around 240 coal-fired power plants operating in Europe.
Germany had the highest number of coal-fired power stations in Europe. However, it’s important to note that Germany has been actively phasing out coal power plants as part of its transition to cleaner energy sources. Other countries in Europe with a significant number of coal power stations included Poland, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.
Here is a list of the most powerful coal-fired power plants in Europe.
Bełchatów Power Station (Poland) – 5,472MW (forth largest coal plant in the world)
Neurath Power Station (Germany) – 4,400MW
Drax Power Station (United Kingdom) – 3,960MW
Niederaussem Power Station (Germany) – 3,864MW
Jänschwalde Power Station (Germany) – 3,000MW
Kozienice Power Station (Poland) – 2,840MW
Brindisi Sud Power station (Italy) – 2,640MW
Turceni Power Station (Romania) – 2,640MW
Boxberg Power Station (Germany) – 2,575MW
Frimmersdorf Power Station (Germany) – 2,413MW
The EU has been actively promoting the transition away from coal as part of its climate and energy objectives. The EU’s policies include the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Industrial Emissions Directive, which set emission reduction targets and enforce stricter environmental standards for coal-fired power plants.
Several European countries have announced specific plans to phase out coal power plants. Germany, for example, has committed to closing all its coal-fired power plants by 2038, with intermediate milestones along the way. Other countries, including France, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, have also set targets and timelines to phase out coal.
The growing share of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is gradually replacing coal in Europe’s electricity generation mix. Governments are implementing supportive policies, providing incentives, and investing in renewable energy infrastructure to facilitate this transition. The declining costs of renewables have also made them more economically competitive compared to coal.
Financial institutions, including banks and investment funds, are increasingly divesting from coal-related projects due to environmental and climate concerns. This divestment movement makes financing new coal plants more challenging and encourages a shift towards cleaner energy investments.
The map below created by ClimateAnalytics shows a plan to phase out coal power stations across the European Union from 2017 to 2031.
New Life for Dead Coal Plants
Former coal-fired power plants can be repurposed or undergo various transformations to serve new functions and contribute to sustainable development. Here are some options for what can be done with former coal-fired power plants:
Conversion to Natural Gas: Some coal plants can be retrofitted or converted to operate on natural gas, which is a relatively cleaner fossil fuel compared to coal. This conversion can involve replacing coal-fired boilers with natural gas-fired ones, enabling the plant to continue generating electricity with reduced emissions.
Biomass or Waste-to-Energy Conversion: Another option is to convert the coal plant into a biomass or waste-to-energy facility. This involves modifying the plant to burn biomass fuels like wood pellets or agricultural residues, or using waste materials as a fuel source. This transformation can contribute to renewable energy generation and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Solar or Wind Power Generation: Former coal plant sites often have vast land areas and existing transmission infrastructure, making them suitable for the development of solar or wind farms. Repurposing the site for renewable energy production can contribute to the transition to clean energy and maximize the utilization of existing resources.
Industrial or Commercial Redevelopment: Coal plant sites can be repurposed for industrial or commercial activities. These can include manufacturing facilities, data centers, research and development hubs, logistics centers, or other industrial or commercial operations. The infrastructure and available space can be attractive for businesses seeking suitable locations for their operations.
Cultural or Recreational Spaces: Some former coal plants have been transformed into cultural or recreational spaces. They can be converted into museums, exhibition centers, event venues, or public parks. This allows for the preservation of the site’s historical significance while providing a new community space for educational, cultural, or leisure purposes.
Environmental Remediation and Restoration: Decommissioned coal plants may require environmental remediation to address any contamination issues associated with their operations. This can involve soil and groundwater cleanup, demolition of structures, and restoration of the site to its natural state. The remediated land can then be repurposed for conservation, ecological restoration, or other environmentally friendly initiatives.
