That the G7 countries are together behind the acceleration is historic, according to French Energy Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher. “For the first time, we, like the entire G7, are recommending accelerating the phasing out of fossil fuels,” she told reporters in Sapporo. “We also don’t want more new coal-fired power plants being built.”
“We don’t want more new coal-fired power plants being built”
G7 countries have designated themselves leaders in the global mission to reduce carbon emissions and this decision would send an important signal for the future tone of talks on energy and climate change.
Coal
However, the lack of a solid strategy for coal and coal-fired power plants is a flaw that could hamper a possible solution at the UN climate summit in Dubai later this year (COP28, ed). After all, nearly 200 other countries need to be convinced of the phase-out.
“Besides the phasing out, we as the G7 also want to invest more in renewable energy,” said Pannier-Runacher. For example, a plan is being drawn up that would triple solar power capacity, while wind power capacity could be seven times greater than in 2021.