David Shukman takes a look at the massive scale of Germany’s coal-mining operation The German government and regional leaders have agreed on a plan to phase out coal-fired power stations by 2038, involving compensation of about €40bn (£34bn; $45bn). The end date for burning brown coal (lignite) – the dirtiest type of coal – could be brought forward to 2035, depending on the progress made. Germany has more than 250,000 workers in renewable energy sectors – far more than in the coal industry. Coal is a big driver of global warming. The €40bn compensation will target four German states which have lignite mines and coal-fired power plants: Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg. Much of the money will go into new infrastructure projects for coal-dependent areas and retraining workers for new jobs there. Mines and utilities will also get compensation for the lost production. Is this the beginning of […]