energy
The coal-fired power station in Langerlo, the last in Belgium, has now been demolished — © Karel Hemerijckx
The G7 countries have reached an agreement to close coal-fired power stations in “the first half of the next decade”. Belgium has not used coal since 2016.
British Energy Minister Andrew Bowie confirmed the news to American media in Turin, where the industrial powers the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and France are meeting for two days. Bowie called the agreement “historic”.
The meeting of the G7 is the first major political session since the world promised during the COP28 climate conference in December to eventually move away from coal, oil and gas. Belgium has no longer used coal since the closure of the Langerlo power station in 2016.
The G7 is also expected to commit to reducing plastic production to tackle global pollution. “The G7 recognizes for the first time that the level of plastic pollution is unsustainable and that its increase is alarming,” the French Ministry of Ecological Transition said.
The final statement from the G7 ministers is expected on Tuesday. (belga)
Tags: countries reach agreement close coalfired power stations
