If a gas shortage occurs or threatens to occur, the amount of gas used to generate power is to be significantly reduced and replaced by coal, the Economy Ministry said on Tuesday.

Coal-fired power plants are to remain on standby, as will lignite-fired power plants, which can be ready for use at shorter notice.

The government will however stick to its overall plan to phase out coal power generation by 2030, the ministry said, pointing out that as long as the power plants remain on standby, there will be no additional greenhouse gas emissions.

Draft laws laying the groundwork for the reserve use of coal and lignite are to be submitted to other departments for consultation.

According to the ministry, gas accounted for about 15% of electricity generation in Germany last year, but the share is likely to be lower now. More broadly, Russian natural gas accounts for more than half of German imports of the fossil fuel.