G7 Nations Agree on Coal Phase-Out by 2035

Energy ministers from the G7 reached an agreement to eliminate the use of coal in power generation by the first half of the next decade. The move, discussed during a two-day meeting in Turin, represents a significant step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change.

The agreement, though binding, offers flexibility to countries like Germany and Japan, whose economies heavily rely on coal. Germany, for instance, has legislation in place aiming to shut down coal plants by 2038, with the current government expressing intentions to accelerate this phase-out to 2030. Japan, on the other hand, has not yet set a definitive date for its coal phase-out.

While the agreement sets a general deadline of 2035 for phasing out coal power among G7 nations, it also includes language allowing for adjustments to align with efforts to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This flexibility aims to accommodate various economic and geopolitical factors, such as the recent impact of conflicts on fuel security in Europe. "It is the first time that a path and a target has been set on coal," noted Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian Minister. 

Environmental advocates, however, argue that the commitment falls short of the more ambitious targets recommended by scientific bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency. These bodies suggest complete decarbonization of power sectors by 2035, requiring a faster phase-out of coal by 2030 and gas power by 2035.

The commitment to phase out coal power is in line with previous commitments made at the COP28 conference. It represents a significant step toward aligning G7 nations' energy policies with climate goals. As Claire Smith of Beyond Fossil Fuels emphasizes, G7 ministers must lead by example and act urgently to address the climate crisis. "The fact that we were able to reach an agreement with our G7 partners on a time horizon for the coal phase-out is a historic success for climate protection," underscored Anja Hajduk, German Economy Ministry State Secretary.