STATEMENT: G7 Leaders Agree to Shut Down Coal Plants

STATEMENT: G7 Leaders Agree to Shut Down Coal Plants

April 30, 2024

Statement

Energy

TURIN, ITALY (April 30, 2024) - The Group of Seven (G7) countries, which include Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US, announced at a ministerial meeting that they will shut down coal-fired power plants by 2030-2035, or on a timeline consistent with the 1.5 C degree temperature limit. In addition, the G7 countries announced they will rapidly scale-up battery storage sixfold by 2030 to support electricity grids powered by renewable energy sources.

Following is a statement from Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy, World Resources Institute:

"Stamping an end date on the coal era is precisely the kind of leadership we need from the world's wealthiest countries. This decision provides a beacon of hope for the rest of the world, showing the transition away from coal can happen much faster than many thought possible.

"As some of the largest emitters - and with the greatest concentrations of wealth - the G7 countries have a unique ability to steer the world's course toward a clean energy future. This commitment says to the rest of the planet that this transition is possible - and international cooperation is critical to getting us there. It marks a profound shift in thinking from last year's G7 meetings when countries failed to reach an agreement to move away from fossil fuels.

"Putting an end to the world's dirtiest fuel will provide cleaner air and massive health benefits to communities throughout these countries. It's now imperative that these countries prioritize just transition measures to support the workers and communities who have relied on coal for decades.

"The G7 countries' commitment to rapidly expand battery storage capacity sixfold by 2030 is critical to meeting countries' prior commitment to tripling renewable energy, and needed to create resilient electrical grids.

"Today these countries have taken positive steps toward building a zero-carbon energy system that will transform the global economy. Now the G7 countries should back this political will with the critical finance needed to rapidly transition the world away from fossil fuels and toward zero-carbon energy, both in their own countries and abroad."