G7 Energy Ministers Agree to Phase Out Coal Power by Early 2030s

The Group of Seven (G7) energy ministers have reached a landmark agreement to phase out coal power generation by the early 2030s, marking a significant step towards reducing fossil fuel use and combating climate change. The deal, reached during a meeting in Turin, Italy, on April 29, 2024, comes after previous failed attempts to set a timeline for coal phaseout.

Under the agreement, the G7 countries will shut down their coal-fired power plants by 2035 at the latest. However, the deal grants some flexibility to Germany and Japan due to their high dependence on coal for their energy needs. The G7 energy ministers were nearing an agreement on an end date for coal-fired power plants, with the final accord potentially allowing for flexibility in the timeline to accommodate countries with significant coal dependency.

The agreement follows a resolution at the 2023 COP28 summit to move away from fossil fuels and phase down the use of coal power. It also comes shortly after the US Environmental Protection Agency announced new rules that will require coal-fired power plants to either capture nearly all of their climate pollution or shut down by 2039.

Why this matters: The G7 decision is seen as a major step forward in the global efforts to transition from fossil fuels and decarbonize economies, particularly for Japan, the only G7 country left without a commitment to move away from coal. The agreement signals that the advanced economies of the world are committed to phasing out coal by the early 2030s, which could have a 'trickle down' effect on the larger Group of 20 nations' fossil fuel policies.

The G7 countries, which include the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, and Canada, account for around 38% of the global economy and were responsible for 21% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. The UN climate chief, Simon Stiell, urged the G7 to use their political influence, wealth, and technologies to end fossil fuel use, stating that excuses for failing to take bold climate action are unacceptable.

Despite the agreement, some environmental groups have criticized it as 'too little, too late', arguing that G7 countries should ditch coal by 2030 and commit to rapidly phasing out all fossil fuels to align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal. The ministers also warned that gas consumption continues to be an issue, and all fossil fuels need to be ultimately phased out to address the climate crisis.

The G7 energy ministers' agreement to phase out coal power generation by the early 2030s is a significant step towards reducing fossil fuel use and addressing climate change. As Italian Ecological Transition Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin stated, "We reached an agreement to gradually phase out the use of unabated coal power generation, the most polluting source among fossil fuels, by 2035 at the latest." The deal, while allowing some flexibility for Germany and Japan, sends a strong signal that the world's advanced economies are committed to moving away from coal and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Key Takeaways

• G7 energy ministers agree to phase out coal power by early 2030s
• Deal allows flexibility for Germany, Japan due to high coal dependence
• Agreement follows 2023 COP28 resolution to phase down coal use
• G7 accounts for 38% of global economy, 21% of 2021 emissions
• Some critics say deal is 'too little, too late' to meet Paris goals