Coal phase out momentum in Europe continues to build, with 21 countries now either coal free, or in possession of a coal phase out plan. Portugal joins the likes of the UK, Greece, Hungary and Denmark in accelerating its coal phase out. Belgium, Austria and Sweden are the other three European countries to have already made coal history .

“Portugal is the perfect example of how once a country commits to quitting coal, the pace of the phase out inevitably accelerates. The benefits of transitioning to renewables are so great, once started, it only makes sense to get out of coal as fast as possible,” said Kathrin Gutmann, Europe Beyond Coal campaign director. “Coal’s dire economics and public desire for climate action are driving faster and faster phase outs across Europe. The challenge now is to ensure utilities do not make the mistake of replacing coal with fossil gas, or unsustainable biomass.”

Concerningly, Pego’s owner, Endesa, is considering converting the 682 MW plant to burn wood pellets, in a move that will accelerate climate change and contribute to disastrous clear-cutting practices .

“Freeing ourselves from our biggest source of greenhouse gases is a momentous day for Portugal. But it is soured by the prospect of the plant being converted to burn forests,” said Francisco Ferreira, President of Portuguese, ZERO. “Ditching coal only to switch to the next worst fuel is clearly not an answer. Instead, the focus should be on rapidly upscaling our renewable energy capacity in wind and solar.”