The European Union gave its blessing Friday to plans by Germany to subsidize the closing down of eight power plants fired by highly polluting lignite, also known as brown coal.

    The country is in the midst of a push to renewable energy sources, but still remains reliant on dirtier fuel like coal to keep the lights on when solar and wind power do not provide enough energy, dpa reported. Germany plans to give up its reliance on coal by 2050. 

    Under the plans approved by the EU on Friday, Berlin will grant 1.6 billion euros (1.8 billion dollars) in public financing to mothball and subsequently close the eight lignite-fired power plants. The process is due to start in October and be completed by 2020, the year by which Germany has pledged to slash its carbon dioxide emissions by 40 per cent.

Source: QNA