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Germany weighs geothermal power as coal phase-out faces energy stress
The country targets 100 percent renewables in its energy mix by 2035, while a senior researcher expects coal could end by 2032 amid grid pressure from heat waves and recent energy volatility.
Germany is looking to broaden its energy transition as extreme summer heat waves strain Europe’s power grids and underscore the challenge of balancing energy security with climate goals, according to OilPrice.
The government says it aims to source 100 percent of the national energy mix from renewables by 2035 and has a legally binding pledge to phase out coal by 2038. OilPrice notes that Germany has also signaled possible near term strategy pressure as energy market volatility increases, and cites remarks from Chancellor Friedrich Merz arguing Germany must supply electricity and not jeopardize core industry over phase out plans he called unrealistic.
OilPrice also points to how geopolitical shocks have contributed to Europe’s recent energy stress, including disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Against that backdrop, energy and climate action researcher Hauke Hermann says coal could die out in Germany by 2032, suggesting the phase out may occur earlier than the 2038 deadline.
The article frames geothermal energy as one potential option for Germany’s transition, as the country seeks cleaner electricity while navigating ongoing volatility in Europe’s energy markets.