Italy will activate the PLTU if the gas price continues to rise

JAKARTA - The Italian government is considering reactivating coal-fired power plants (PLTU) if the gas price reaches 70 euros (about Rp1.4 million) per megawatt hour (MWh), said Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.

"If the price of gas exceeds 70 euros per MWh, it may be necessary to reactivate coal-fired power plants," Pichetto Fratin told reporters on the sidelines of the 'Holy Grail of Energy' meeting in Milan, Monday, April 20, reported by ANTARA from ANSA-OANA.

He explained that the price was high, considering that the price is still in the range of 40 euros (about Rp800 thousand) per MWh.

"We are talking about emergency scenarios, not business as usual and coal remains the last resort, but we must be ready if necessary," he continued.

Italy currently has four coal-fired power plants on standby.

The government said last month it was delaying the permanent closure of the coal-fired power plant for 13 years until 2038 after the outbreak of the Iran war which impacted the global energy market.