Italy to activate coal-fired power plants if gas prices continue to rise

Rome (ANTARA) - The Italian government is considering reactivating coal-fired power plants if gas prices reach 70 euros (approximately Rp1.4 million) per megawatt hour (MWh), said Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.

“If gas prices exceed 70 euros per MWh, it may be necessary to reactivate coal-fired power plants,” Pichetto Fratin told reporters on the sidelines of the ‘Holy Grail of Energy’ meeting in Milan on Monday.

He explained that this price level is considered high, given that current prices are still around 40 euros (approximately Rp800,000) per MWh.

“We are talking about an emergency scenario, not business as usual, and coal remains the last resort solution, but we must be prepared if necessary.”

Italy currently has four coal-fired power plants on standby.

The government stated last month that they have postponed the permanent closure of coal-fired power plants for 13 years until 2038 following the outbreak of the Iran war, which has impacted the global energy market.

Source: ANSA-OANA