Italy is looking to delay the deadline for the phase-out of coal-fired power plants from 2025 to 2038, according to a decree waiting to be converted to a law by the end of April 2026. The country originally pledged to phase out coal-fired generation by the end of 2025 as part of EU climate commitments. The government wants to keep some coal-fired power plants on standby beyond this date in case of emergencies, amid the oil and gas supply crisis linked to the US and Israel's war on Iran.
Italy's energy minister has previously indicated that two coal-fired power plants, namely Brindisi and Civitavecchia, could be reactivated if gas prices consistently exceed EUR70/MWh (USD81/MWh). Italy currently has a coal capacity of around 4.65 GW.
Germany, which already had planned to phase out coal-fired plants by 2038, expressed readiness to keep them as backup assets longer than planned if necessary.