Seven European countries commit to decarbonise power generation

• 4 months ago (2023-12-20)
• David Flin

Emissions 59 Europe 1061 Nuclear 640

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Six EU countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands), along with Switzerland, have signed a commitment to end carbon emissions in power generation by 2035.

Albert Rosti, Switzerland’s Environment Minister, said: “Phasing out fossil fuels is only worthwhile if the imported electricity is also fossil free.” He also referred to the important role of nuclear energy in Switzerland. “We assume that the existing nuclear power plants will run for longer than the 50 years envisaged. We are currently assuming at least 60 years.”

Rosti said that Switzerland would remain important as an electricity hub and with its large storage capacities for the other six countries.

The signatory countries are members of the Pentalateral Energy Forum, a platform for voluntary transnational cooperation.