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The Mellach coal-fired power plant in southern Austria was closed in the spring of 2020, but the government has decided to get the plant ready for reopening in case of need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
“I would not have imagined that the plant would be rebuilt again,” welder Peter Probst said during a visit to the plant by AFP journalists.<\/p>\n
“It’s sad we are so dependent on Russian gas,” he added, as Austria and other countries prepare for a return to coal from the current gas crisis.<\/p>\n
Although the premises of the Mellach plant are being invaded by flowers and vegetation, employees have slowly begun work to restore the premises to operation.<\/p>\n
The white chimneys of the ovens stand between the fields of corn and squash, while in the distance the city of Graz can be seen.<\/p>\n
Prior to its closure about 450,000 tonnes of coal were stored at the plant until it was shut down between renewable energy directives by 2030.<\/p>\n
Plant manager Christof Kurzmann said the company could have the coal plant up and running “in about four months” – in time for potential problems in the winter.<\/p>\n
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