The role of soft coal in the German energy economy

Soft coal remains the most important energy source in Germany, accounting for 40% of domestic energy production. Against the backdrop of current extraction levels and available reserves as well an the structural changes in the east German districts and the renewal of the power plants in the Rhineland, the urgent need to open up the Garzweiler II open-pit mine is demonstrated. Data on primary energy and power consumption are further evidence of the position occupied by soft coal in Germany. An assessment of future price trends of the most important energy sources competing with soft coal shows that the role of soft coal in times to come depends chiefly on its competitiveness against imported hard coal and natural gas.