Bavaria Shuts Down Its Last Major Coal Power Plant

The Zolling facility ceases regular operations, marking a significant step in Germany's energy transition, though it remains on reserve until 2031.

The Zolling coal power plant, Bavaria's last major coal-fired facility, has officially ended regular operations as part of Germany's coal phase-out plan.
The plant will remain in reserve until March 2031 to ensure energy grid stability during periods of insufficient renewable energy supply.
The closure is seen as a milestone for the energy transition, with renewable sources like solar and wind now contributing significantly to Bavaria's electricity mix.
Environmental advocates, including Greenpeace, are calling for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels, including natural gas, by 2035.
Despite the shutdown, the Zolling site continues to operate other facilities, including a biomass power plant and a sewage sludge drying plant, with plans for a potential gas power plant under consideration.