Germany turning against coal may boost reliance on Russian gas

Berlin

GERMANY is turning against coal as a fuel for generating electricity, a move that will boost the nation's reliance on natural gas from Russia.

Alarmed that curtailing nuclear power has prompted utilities to burn the most coal in six years, Chancellor Angela Merkel's government is working on a plan to reinforce Germany's commitment to reduce fossil fuel emissions. The Economy Ministry on Oct 31 published a paper laying the groundwork for the most strict steps yet to limit coal in Europe.