France has resumed operations at its Saint-Avold coal power plant in Moselle to meet rising electricity demand during the winter cold snap. This restart, confirmed by GazelEnergie, the plant’s operator, highlights the energy challenges France faces despite its substantial nuclear energy infrastructure. The plant is expected to operate for around twenty days per year during peak demand, providing temporary relief to the grid. The reopening comes as COP29, the global climate summit, takes place in Azerbaijan, bringing renewed attention to coal’s significant role in climate change.
Originally shut down in early 2022 to reduce its carbon footprint, Saint-Avold was temporarily restarted in January 2023 as France grappled with energy supply tensions. This year, it will operate similarly, emphasizing France's position as one of Europe’s leaders in decarbonization—using coal power only as a last resort. In contrast, neighboring Germany relies heavily on coal, which makes up a quarter of its energy mix and will likely remain integral to its energy strategy until at least 2030.
France plans to phase out coal at Saint-Avold entirely by 2027, aligning with President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to carbon reduction. Currently, about 100 employees and over 150 subcontractors work at the site, and preparations are underway for its conversion to alternative energy sources. Initially, plans included a biomass facility and a potential gas-fired conversion. However, Minister Delegate for Energy, Olga Givernet, expressed skepticism over transitioning to gas, stating, “We must focus on decarbonized energies.” She indicated a preference for biogas or biomass solutions, though noted that existing proposals lacked the necessary robustness.
Tensions are mounting around the plant's future. Employees, concerned over the plant’s long-term viability, have issued strike notices to bring attention to the need for a clear plan by 2027. "The longer the government hesitates, the more coal we’ll have to burn," cautioned Thomas About, a union representative at the plant. Meanwhile, France’s other coal facility, Cordemais in Loire-Atlantique, is also set for closure by 2027 but lacks any planned reconversion.
The transition at Saint-Avold has encountered legislative obstacles. A recent amendment to a finance bill, spearheaded by Moselle MP Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé, sought to allow a gas-powered transition but was met with government opposition. The Ministry of Ecological Transition noted that the proposal presented legal conflicts and did not address feasibility issues, which remain the responsibility of GazelEnergie. The Ministry assured that it is committed to finding a sustainable solution for the site and its employees.
