BNetzA clears German grid without coal-fired operation ban

Bundesnetzagentur confirmed that no coal-fired operation ban is needed in the German zone, repeating the outcome of its prior review. The regulator's remit requires it to assess whether grid security demands restricting coal output; on both occasions it has found conditions do not meet that bar.

The ruling matters for the short-term power market because banned coal units would reduce dispatchable capacity and tighten balancing supply, particularly in high-demand or low-wind periods. Keeping those units available under standard market rules means the merit order in the German zone remains unchanged for now.

The BNetzA assessment is a near-term grid security check, not a phaseout decision. Per Bundesnetzagentur, the grid can be managed without additional operational restrictions on coal at this stage.