Bayern’s Last Major Coal Power Plant Shuts Down, but Debate Continues
As Bayern’s last major coal-fired power plant, Zolling, prepares to cease operations, the state’s Minister of Economics and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, has expressed regret over the shutdown. Aiwanger, who heads the Free Voters party, criticized the logic behind the coal phase-out, arguing that the plant could have remained in operation longer without compromising energy security.
Zolling, operated by Onyx Power, has a capacity of 500 megawatts, roughly half the output of the former Isar 2 nuclear power plant. According to Aiwanger, this makes Zolling a significant source of energy that could have continued to contribute to the state’s grid. He emphasized the need to accelerate the development of hydrogen-ready gas power plants to ensure a reliable electricity supply.
Environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace Bayern and the Green Party in the state parliament, welcomed the shutdown. Greenpeace’s Saskia Reinbeck hailed it as a crucial step towards achieving climate neutrality by 2040. She pointed out that electricity generated from wind and solar power is now more cost-effective than burning imported coal. Reinbeck called for the state to plan a phase-out of natural gas by 2035, following the transition away from nuclear and coal.
Martin Stümpfig, the Green Party’s spokesperson for energy policy, described the closure as a "huge success" for the energy transition. He estimated that it would prevent 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Onyx Power, the plant operator, plans to maintain a portion of Zolling’s capacity as a reserve to provide stability and security to the grid during periods of low wind or solar power generation. The company assures that the plant’s 140 employees will remain at the site, where other facilities, such as a biomass heating plant, are also located.
The shutdown of Zolling follows the decision by the Federal Network Agency to approve Onyx Power’s request to decommission the plant. According to the media group "Münchner Merkur/tz," Zolling consumed approximately half a million tons of coal annually.
The closure has sparked a debate about the future of energy in Bayern. While some, like Aiwanger, advocate for extending the lifespan of coal-fired plants, others argue for a rapid transition to renewable energy sources. Greenpeace and the Greens emphasize the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy, while calling for a balanced approach that ensures security of supply.
As Bayern moves forward, it faces the challenge of balancing its energy needs with its climate goals. The shutdown of Zolling is a significant step in the transition away from fossil fuels, but it also raises questions about how to maintain a reliable electricity system while embracing sustainable energy solutions.
