Turkey one of four countries in Europe that haven't set a date to quit coal

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Twenty-three countries in Europe have decided to quit coal and 10 of them have already done this. Some European countries have announced that they will shut down all coal-fired power plants within 18 years.

Only four countries haven't set a date to quit coal: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Serbia and Turkey.

Scientists emphasize that coal-fired power plants should be shut down due to the fact that they cause much more greenhouse gas emissions than other methods of electricity generation.

In order to prevent information pollution about the issue, the Ekosfer Association has added an interactive map showing the dates set by countries in Europe to quit coal on the website turkiyedekomur.com. The map is based on a map by Europe Beyond Coal.

While most European countries have determined a date to exit coal, there are reports that the Russia-Ukraine war may cause a delay in coal exit, said Özgür Gürbüz, the campaigns director of the association. "But there are not yet any changes in official decisions. The map we have prepared will prevent these speculations and will ensure that everyone can reach up-to-date information."

Turkey should set a date for coal exit before the climate summit to be held in Egypt at the end of the year, he added.

European countries and coal:

Countries that have shut down or don't have coal-fired power plants: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Portugal are countries that do not currently produce electricity from coal.

Countries to close coal-fired plants by 2030: France (2022), United Kingdom (2024), Hungary (2025), Italy (2025), Ireland (2025), Greece (2025). North Macedonia (2027) Denmark (2028), Finland (mid 2029), Netherlands (late 2029), Slovakia (2030), Spain (2030).

Countries that will close coal-fired plants after 2030: Montenegro (2035), Romania (2032), Croatia (2033), Bulgaria (2038-2040), Germany (2038), Slovenia (2033), Czechia (2033)

Countries that have not yet decided to close their coal-fired plants: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Serbia and Turkey. (HA/VK)