G7 aims for mostly decarbonised electricity by 2035

G7 aims for mostly decarbonised electricity by 2035

London, 27 May (Argus) — G7 countries have committed to reaching "predominantly decarbonised electricity sectors" by 2035, taking further steps towards what it called an eventual phase-out of domestic unabated coal power generation.

The group's report, published today following a meeting of climate, energy and environment ministers, gave no concrete detail on a full phase-out of coal-fired power generation, and German vice-chancellor and energy minister Robert Habeck noted countries held different stances on the issue.

"Step by step we progress," he said. "Phasing out of coal is a common goal."

The report's wording left some flexibility and emphasised the G7 "reaffirm the importance of national energy security, affordability and resilience." Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February led several member countries to sharply reduce their reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

Security of energy supply is a live issue, and the report echoed a G7 statement in March in noting Opec's "key role" in international energy markets. It also stressed the importance of increased LNG deliveries to Europe and acknowledged "investment in this sector is necessary in response to the current crisis, in a manner consistent with our climate objectives and without creating lock-in effects."

"We need short-term efforts to replace Russian gas… we've been quite successful