Germany Postpones Review on Lignite Plant Closures, Market Awaits Potential 3.6 GW Extension to 2033

Published: Aug 17, 2026 13:08

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Germany has delayed an interim report assessing the impact of the lignite phaseout in North Rhine-Westphalia while it awaits the results of gas-fired power plant tenders scheduled for this year. Under a 2022 agreement between the government and RWE, lignite-fired generation in the state is scheduled to end by March 2030, although some units could be retained until 2033 if security of supply is considered at risk.

The delay has raised market expectations that 3.6 GW of RWE lignite capacity could be placed on security standby until the end of 2033. However, RWE said the 2030 exit date has not changed and the government has not approached the company about an extension.

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