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The German coal exit could lead to a “strong increase” in wholesale power prices, unless the framework conditions in the energy sector are adapted quickly, . Prices could rise from about 40 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) in 2018 to 65 euros/MWh by 2022, according to the analysis. In addition, the risk of supply shortfalls is growing as better projectable coal-fired and nuclear power plants are taken out of the pool, wrote Oliver Wyman, and called for new gas plant capacities and storage solutions. “From a purely economically rational perspective, we now need to experience a renaissance of gas-fired power plants,” said Thomas Fritz, partner at the consultancy. He cautioned that acceptance of gas plants among the population could become an issue, as natural gas is a fossil fuel.

A recent study by energy think tank Agora Energiewende* found that the coal phase-out would have "very little" impact on electricity prices. The wholesale power price makes up only a small share of the price per kilowatt hour households pay in the end. The German government it will implement the phase-out of coal by 2038 as proposed by the coal exit commission at the beginning of the year.

*Like the 91tv, Agora Energiewende is a project funded by Stiftung Mercator and the European Climate Foundation.