To ensure power for winter heat, France to reopen coal power plant

PARIS, France: In a written statement made this week confirming a report from broadcaster RTL, France's energy ministry said the French government could reopen a coal-fired power plant in the Lorraine region in north eastern France this winter.

"As a precautionary measure, given the situation in Ukraine, we are reserving the option to reactivate the Saint Avold plant if needed this winter," the ministry added.

However, this will not affect plans to phase out coal plants in France, the ministry said, noting that the operator would offset emissions through various measures, such as reforestation, and electricity production from coal will remain below 1 percent.

Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has highlighted Europe's reliance on Russian gas and caused a scramble to find alternative energy sources.

In preparation for a looming energy crisis, the heads of France's big energy companies urged individuals and businesses to limit power consumption immediately.