Faced with an expanding power deficit and adverse weather conditions, France was forced to make a controversial decision to restart the Émile Huchet coal power plant in Saint-Avold, closed in 2023. This decision gives emergence to a broad discussion of the country's energy strategy and the future of decarbonisation in Europe.
Return of 76-year coal power plant
According to Kresy.pl, the decision to restart the Émile Huchet plant was made in November 2024. The power plant, built 76 years ago, resumed power production on November 12. Operators usage 2 coal-fired power blocks with a full power of 618 MW. The French government announced that the power plant would operate at least until the end of March 2025. Around 500 000 tonnes of coal are expected to enter the boilers at this time.
Power deficit in the energy system
The French electricity network operator RTE reported that in the autumn of 2024 57 atomic power plants in the country were incapable to meet the expanding request for electricity. The problem was further exacerbated by the cloudy and windless weather, which reduced the capacity of wind and solar farms to produce energy. The crisis peculiarly affected highest times, which led the authorities to temporarily return to conventional energy sources.
Future plans: natural gas and biomass
In addition to the temporary launch of the coal power plant, the French government plans to modernise it. By 2027 fresh power blocks are to be installed on the site, which will benefit from natural gas or biomass. This decision forms part of a long-term carbon simplification strategy, although re-use of coal produces mixed reactions among experts and public opinion.
European trend towards carbon return
France is not the only country to return to coal usage in the face of the energy crisis. Germany besides decided to restart its coal power plants to prevent power shortages. Plans for the complete discontinuation of conventional power plants proved to be more hard to implement in practice, especially in variable weather conditions.
Was decarbonization besides hasty?
Media and experts increasingly criticise decisions to close coal plants without ensuring adequate stableness of renewable energy systems. The decision to put Émile Huchet out in 2023 already seems premature and raises questions about the rationality of France's energy strategy.
"Decarbonisation is simply a necessity, but we must not let the transition to green energy to endanger the country's energy security," commented energy analysts.
Summary
The case of Émile Huchet shows that energy transformation requires not only determination, but besides a realistic approach to energy resource management. A temporary return to coal in Europe can become a informing signal to plan decarbonisation more accurately, taking into account changing weather conditions and expanding energy demand.
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