Kraftwerke: SPD fordert Offenlegung aller Unterlagen zum Kohleausstieg

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) opposition in the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament is demanding greater transparency from the state government concerning the decision to phase out coal power by 2030. The SPD alleges that the current "black-green" government has not adequately disclosed the rationale, expert reports, or risks associated with this accelerated coal exit, agreed upon in 2022.

SPD deputy faction leader Alexander Vogt stated that the government has failed to provide a transparent account of the decision, which was made between the former Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Robert Habeck, NRW Minister for Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur (both Greens), and the energy company RWE. The SPD claims that even parliamentary inquiries have yielded insufficient answers. Vogt announced that the party will formally request all decision-relevant documents under the Freedom of Information Act.

Concerns about the feasibility of the 2030 coal phase-out are also surfacing from industry. Evonik, a major chemical company, has publicly questioned the realism of the timeline, with CEO Christian Kullmann suggesting a postponement. He cited a lack of sufficient gas power plants to ensure energy supply security. The federal government must decide by mid-August whether North Rhine-Westphalia can proceed with the 2030 phase-out or if its final three lignite blocks in the Rhenish mining region will be placed in reserve until the end of 2033.

This push for transparency comes as the Bundestag recently approved plans for constructing numerous new gas power plants over the next five years to complement the coal phase-out and renewable energy expansion, aiming to prevent electricity supply gaps. The SPD and FDP in NRW have long criticized the process of reaching the early coal phase-out agreement, labeling it "secretive" and a "backroom deal." The FDP previously used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain emails related to the 2022 exit plan announcement. The SPD now seeks to understand the potential costs to taxpayers if the coal phase-out is delayed.