Czech EPH to close two German coal plants
Czech energy firm EPH will close two power plants in Germany as part of the country's coal and lignite phase-out plans, it said April 1. The 690-MW anthracite Mehrum and the 67-MW lignite Deuben stations will be decommissioned subject to review by the relevant grid operators.
German networks regulator Bundesnetzagentur (BNA) pays out in a competitive auction to encourage low bids. With effect from December 8, EPH will no longer be entitled to market the electricity generated.
EPH said the closure will reduce CO2 emissions by about 2.5mn mt/yr, on the basis of average production in years 2017-2019, which was used as a basis for awarding the bids. EPH is working with regional stakeholders on plans for the subsequent use of the sites, it said.
Uniper announced the closure of its Wilhelmshaven coal-fired plant the same day, which with a 757-MW output was the only other winner of the 1.5 GW of total capacity awarded by BNA in the second round.