Italy to Push Back Coal Power Plant Phase-Out by 13 Years as Energy Crisis Looms

Rome cites energy security risks amid Middle East tensions as it keeps coal plants on standby despite earlier net-zero commitments.
Italy to Push Back Coal Power Plant Phase-Out by 13 Years as Energy Crisis Looms
Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italy’s energy minister, attends a meeting in Turin, Italy, on April 29, 2024. Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
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Italy is set to delay the closure of its coal-fired power stations by 13 years, postponing the phase-out from the end of 2025 to 2038, according to a bill passed ‌by the lower house of Parliament on March 31 that’s widely expected to gain full approval.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government wants to dial back net-zero policies amid growing energy supply ​challenges triggered by the conflict in Iran.

Owen Evans
Owen Evans
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Owen Evans is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of national stories, with a particular interest in civil liberties and free speech.