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This report by Ember analyzes the progress of European Union member states in phasing out coal-fired electricity generation by 2030. It highlights that while the EU is rapidly reducing coal use—driven significantly by Germany's commitment to exit coal by 2030—three countries (Poland, Czechia, and Bulgaria) remain heavily reliant on coal and are lagging behind the rest of the bloc.

Germany's commitment to exit coal by 2030 isolates Poland, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria, who are projected to account for over 95% of the EU's coal electricity generation by 2030. While the rest of the EU-27 is on track to reduce coal generation by 99% by 2030, these three countries plan a reduction of only 42%.

This report by Ember analyzes the progress of European Union member states in phasing out coal power by 2030. It highlights that while the EU is rapidly reducing coal electricity generation—accelerated by Germany's aim to exit coal by 2030—a small group of countries, specifically Poland, Czechia, and Bulgaria, are transitioning much more slowly and will account for the vast majority of the EU's remaining coal power in 2030.

This report by Ember analyzes the progress of European Union member states in phasing out coal-fired power generation by 2030. It highlights a significant divergence between most EU countries, which are rapidly reducing coal use, and a small group of countries—specifically Poland, Czechia, and Bulgaria—that are projected to account for the vast majority of the EU's remaining coal power production by 2030.

Ember's submission to the Environmental Audit Committee expresses concern that current mainstream Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), specifically the model proposed at the Drax power station, may fail to deliver genuine negative emissions due to the carbon impact of burning wood for power.

A letter from a coalition of climate, environmental, and health NGOs to the European Commission urging the alignment of the draft Climate, Energy and Environment State Aid Guidelines (CEEAG) with the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.

This report by Ember, E3G, and Global Energy Monitor (GEM) analyzes the global pipeline of proposed coal power plants as of July 2021. It identifies economies that have already committed to no new coal, those that could readily do so because they have no active pipeline, and those that still have projects proposed, with a particular focus on the role of Chinese financing and the impact of the Paris Agreement.

A report by Ember and Climate Risk Horizons argues that India has 27 GW of planned coal power plants that are no longer necessary to meet electricity demand by FY 2030, labeling them "zombie" plants that threaten renewable energy goals.

This fact sheet by Ember argues that new wind and solar power installations in Turkey are now more cost-effective than operating existing coal power plants that rely on imports. The document highlights the rising cost of international hard coal and the declining cost of renewables, suggesting that Turkey can reduce its multi-billion dollar import bill and mitigate potential EU carbon border levies by transitioning to green energy.

Ember's response to National Grid's FES2022 call for evidence challenges the assumption that biomass burning is carbon neutral and questions the reliability of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) for delivering negative emissions.

This report by Ember analyzes the regulatory and economic risks associated with Poland's plans to expand its gas-fired power capacity, arguing that such investments conflict with EU climate goals and exceed the capacity required for a transition away from coal.

This briefing by Ember compares three expert modeling scenarios—from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), National Grid, and Energy Systems Catapult (ESC)—to demonstrate that the UK can phase out unabated gas-fired electricity generation by 2035 or sooner. The report argues that such a transition is essential for meeting the UK's legislated carbon targets, would reduce dependence on expensive imported gas, and would support a green industrial revolution through the expansion of renewables and energy storage.

Ember submitted comments on August 2, 2021, regarding the European Commission's draft 'Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy 2022' (CEEAG). The document argues for a nuanced approach to state aid for coal mine methane (CMM) abatement, distinguishing between active and abandoned mines to ensure environmental benefits are achieved without extending the operational life of coal mines.

Ember submitted a response to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy's call for evidence on the role of biomass in achieving net zero. The submission argues that biomass for power and BECCS are expensive and that sustainable biomass should be prioritized for construction and hard-to-abate industry rather than the power sector. Ember calls for tighter sustainability regulations, a move away from the assumption of inherent carbon neutrality for biomass power, and the unbundling of residual and negative emissions budgets to provide clarity on the 2050 net zero law.

Ember's message to the 2021 P4G Seoul Summit emphasizes that achieving 100% clean power is a prerequisite for global carbon neutrality by 2050, citing the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Net Zero by 2050 report.

This report by Ember analyzes air pollution from coal-fired power plants across Europe, identifying Turkey, Ukraine, and the Western Balkan countries as the primary sources of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM10). The analysis highlights a strong correlation between coal generation and pollutant emissions, noting that most of the most polluting plants are over 30 years old, though Turkey is an exception with some newer plants among the top polluters. The report argues that these countries should shift subsidies from dirty coal to their significant renewable energy potentials.

Ember analyzed the formula used by Germany's Ministry of Economics (BMWi) to calculate €4.35 billion in compensation payments for utilities RWE and LEAG for the early closure of lignite power plants. The analysis concludes that the government's assumptions systematically overvalue the payments, suggesting that adjusting these assumptions could reduce the total compensation to as little as €343 million.

This briefing by Ember analyzes energy scenarios from the UK, EU, and US, identifying a consensus that achieving zero-carbon electricity by the 2030s is a critical milestone for meeting 2050 net-zero targets. The report details the necessary phase-out of coal and gas, the required acceleration of wind and solar deployment, and the role of system flexibility and low-carbon firm power.

This case study by Ember evaluates the transition strategy of ENGIE, a France-based global energy company. The report argues that ENGIE's reliance on converting coal plants to fossil gas and biomass, its lack of a comprehensive coal phase-out schedule, and its 2°C Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) accreditation are not aligned with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C objective.

The report analyzes the EU power sector in 2020, highlighting a landmark moment where renewables generated 38% of electricity, overtaking fossil-fired generation for the first time. While coal generation saw a significant decline, the report notes that the transition speed remains insufficient to meet 2030 and 2050 climate targets, partly due to the persistence of gas generation and a record drop in nuclear output.