E.ON to close three gas-fired plants

• 11 years ago (2012-05-15)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1061 Nuclear 640

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German utility E.ON AG intends to permanently shut down three unprofitable gas-fired power plants in southern Germany, according to media sources.

E.ON reportedly plans to shut-down 1500 MW of gas-fired generation capacity in total.

E.ON’s plans have increased significance for southern Germany’s energy security, where power generation capacity is relatively tight in light of the decision by the government to accelerate Germany’s planned nuclear exit.

Currently, German power generation capacity is adequate for meeting domestic demand, but the limiting factor for customers at present is grid capacity.

E.ON is considering the possibility of retaining the three power plants as reserve capacity, and is in talks with the German energy grid regulator over this contingency.