Energy crisis brings back lignite - Many countries are expected to use it after gas prices rise
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused major problems in the transportation of natural gas and crude oil, which are also used to a large extent for energy production, has led many countries to consider a greater shift towards lignite.
This most polluting raw material, in terms of emissions, is now returning to the spotlight to a greater extent, as it is an opportunity to meet electricity generation needs that until now were mainly based on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The trend back to coal is another sign of how the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict is spreading around the world. It could also have an environmental impact, the Wall Street Journal reported, which presented new data on the growing use, or thoughts of growing use, of lignite around the world, including in Europe.
Many countries have tried to reduce their coal consumption in recent years to combat climate change, and just as many have tried to generate power from LNG. Coal emits about twice as much carbon dioxide as burning natural gas.
Most European countries have already diversified their energy supplies and accelerated the development of renewable energy sources. In Asia, by contrast, since the start of the war, some countries have started burning more coal, on which many were already dependent before the conflict.
Italy has put its lignite-fired power plants on standby as it braces for a prolonged energy shock. Italy's energy ministry said in March that the country's coal-fired power plants could restart if the conflict in the Middle East causes a wider energy crisis and a rise in prices.
Italy is one of the most gas-dependent economies in Europe, accounting for about 40% of its total energy supply. The country has also postponed the gradual closure of coal-fired power plants until 2038.
Also in Germany last month, Chancellor Friedrich Merz mentioned the possibility of postponing the closure of lignite-fired power plants. This would happen in the event of a lack of sufficient natural gas supplies.
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