Bayern’s Last Coal Power Plant Enters Reserve, Ending Regular Operations
Zolling, Germany – The Zolling coal-fired power plant in the Freising district has officially ceased regular operations, marking a significant milestone in Bavaria’s energy transition. The plant, operated by Onyx Power, was shut down on Friday night as scheduled, but will remain part of the national power reserves until March 31, 2031.
Extension of Power Reserve Capacity
Despite the shutdown, the Zolling power plant will not be dismantled. Instead, it will be maintained as a backup resource to ensure grid stability and secure energy supply in the event of insufficient renewable energy generation from wind or solar sources. The Bundesnetzagentur, Germany’s Federal Network Agency, has approved Onyx Power’s request for the plant’s inclusion in this reserve capacity.
Mixed Reactions to Shutdown
The decision to shut down Zolling has elicited mixed reactions. Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Hubert Aiwanger expressed regret that the plant could not continue operating longer, highlighting its significant capacity of almost 500 megawatts, comparable to half the output of the former Isar 2 nuclear power plant.
In contrast, the Green Party in Bavaria’s state parliament welcomed the move, emphasizing the triumph of renewable energy in replacing fossil fuels. According to Green Party energy policy spokesperson Martin Stümpfig, the shutdown will prevent the emission of 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 annually.
Call for Gas Phase-out
Environmental organization Greenpeace called for an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels, urging the phase-out of natural gas by 2035. Zolling consumed approximately 370,000 metric tons of coal last year.
Energy Park Development
Onyx Power has already expanded its operations at the Zolling site, establishing an "energy park" that includes a biomass heating plant and a sewage sludge drying facility. Additionally, the company had initiated plans to construct a gas-fired power plant, which may now be revised in light of the plant’s prolonged reserve status.
Conclusion
The shutdown of the Zolling coal power plant reflects Bavaria’s commitment to phasing out fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources. While the plant will remain on standby to provide grid stability, it marks a significant step towards a more sustainable energy future for the region and the nation as a whole.
