Germany could suspend plans to shut down coal-fired power plants as part of a package of measures aimed at reducing dependence on energy imports from Russia and reducing the burden of high energy costs, according to a working version of a document consulted by Reuters.

Even if the ideal solution is for the Berlin government to meet its target of shutting down coal-fired power plants by 2030, the document consulted by Reuters states that the goal is to reduce natural gas consumption in electricity production.

“In this context, the closure of coal-fired power plants may be suspended until further notice, following an examination by the energy regulator,” the document said, according to Agerpres.

Among the measures included in the analyzed package is the provision of low interest loans to companies suffering from liquidity problems due to high energy prices. Also, from January 2023, tax cuts for investments in climate protection and energy efficiency would come into force.