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Germany's Chancellor Advocates Extended Coal Use for Energy Security

3/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned about Germany's energy security amid the Middle East war.
He proposed extending coal-fired plant operation beyond the planned 2038 phaseout.
He said, "I am not ready to gamble with the core of our energy supply."
He supports renewable expansion but says natural gas will supplement it and rules out nuclear power.
Coal currently accounts for less than 22% of Germany's energy, while renewables are nearly 60%.

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Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned about Germany's energy security amid the Middle East war.
He proposed extending coal-fired plant operation beyond the planned 2038 phaseout.
He said, "I am not ready to gamble with the core of our energy supply."
He supports renewable expansion but says natural gas will supplement it and rules out nuclear power.
Coal currently accounts for less than 22% of Germany's energy, while renewables are nearly 60%.