FACTBOX-Controversial German coal-fired power plant projects

(New developments in Kiel, Lubmin, Mannheim, Mainz, dates for Staudinger)

July 30 (Reuters) - The following list shows the status of controversial new coal-fired power plant projects in Germany, where environmental campaigners focus on the climate-harming carbon emissions from the coal-to-power generation process.

By 2020, Europe's biggest electricity market will have to replace 40,000 MW of thermal power plant capacity to keep in step with approaching closures.

Plants in locations listed here in alphabetical order have attracted opposition on environmental and health grounds, or because local people fear the impact on landscapes and tourism.

A separate listing of known German coal and gas plant projects can be seen by clicking on [ID:nLK680698].

Latest updates are marked***

BERLIN

Vattenfall Europe [VATN.UL] has decided to base replacements of an 800 MW heat plant in Berlin-Lichtenberg on gas and biomass rather than hard coal, to replace two old units at Klingenberg by 2015. It cited the environmental debate and carbon costs.

BRUNSBUETTEL

Environmental groups BUND and DUH criticise plans by GDF Suez (GSZ.PA) to build an 800 MW hard coal plant at Brunsbuettel by 2012. A public hearing is underway and permissioning may progress in Sept/Oct.

DUESSELDORF

The city utility has put off plans for a new 400 MW coal block at Lausward and is exploring alternatives including gas, citing local opposition to coal pollution and the warming effect from emitting used cooling water into the Rhine river.

HAMBURG-MOORBURG

Vattenfall Europe tries to ease tough environmental conditions attached by the Hamburg city government to plans for a 1,645 MW coal-to-power plant, which it says would make an efficient running of the plant impossible. The over 2 billion euros plant may be built in the Moorburg suburb by 2012 but the conditions require the river Elbe does not overheat. To remedy this, Vattenfall has tabled a new proposal to build an 85-metre high cooling tower at a cost of 200 million euros to allow for continuous running of the plant.

KIEL

The city utility has decided to study gas as an alternative fuel to fire a small planned power plant and expects a decision maybe in 2010. Plans for an 800 MW coal based project to replace an existing nearly 40-year old block had been shelved by the utility and its partner E.ON (EONGn.DE) in April 2008 after a long row with opponents.

LUBMIN

Denmark's Dong shows it is holding onto - yet to be approved - plans for a 1,600 MW hard coal-fired plant in Lubmin on the Baltic Sea in Germany for startup in 2012, at a cost of 2 billion euros by agreeing with Vattenfall's transmission unit that it will transport the power on its networks. Protesters fear for loss of tourism revenue and the well-being of sea life.

LUENEN

Local utility network Trianel in March won backing for continuing to build a 750 MW coal plant for 2012, although some questions about the inclusion of environmental organisations in decision-making about wildlife and plants were referred to European courts. Media reports say the experience has made Trianel cautious about a similar plant planned at Krefeld.

MAINZ-WIESBADEN***

Plant operator KMW has been asked by a court to consider stopping preparatory work for a chimney and loading terminal for a planned 800 MW hard coal-fired plant on the banks of the Rhine for commissioning by 2014. A lower court upheld its support for the project earlier in July following initial approval for the start of the 1.2 billion euros project in May. There are endless rows about the possible impact of the project on the environment, public health and tourism. The city council continues during the summer to be looking at options to end the project.

MANNHEIM***

Utility MVV (MVVGn.DE) and its power plant unit GKM in July received permission for a 910 MW hard coal unit for start up in 2013, costing 1.2 billion euros, under emission control laws. Citizens group Ikema opposes the project. MVV has started preparing the site.

STADE

GDF Suez (GSZ.PA) and EnBW have abandoned a plan to build an 800 MW coal to power plant at Stade in North Germany on the site of Dow Deutschland by 2012, which they said last year would be combined with a gas driven turbine to produce over 1,000 MW.

STAUDINGER 6***

E.ON has offered to use 300 MW heat from a planned 1,100 MW hard coal fired unit to be built at Grosskrotzenburg/Hanau near Frankfurt by 2013 to appease protesters against the relateed CO2 emissions. Objections to the 1.2 billion euros project since earlier this month can be filed until Sept. 3 and will be discussed by E.ON and the authorities in November.

(Reporting by Vera Eckert, Editing by Peter Blackburn)