Fossil plants win 58% of backup power contracts, despite EU push for clean flexibility -study

Published 11:35 on June 23, 2026 / Last updated at 11:38 on June 23, 2026 / EMEA (Europe), Net Zero Transition (Investment, Reporting & Disclosure, Power/Electrification)

Carbon Pulse PremiumNet Zero Pulse

European governments have awarded more than half of capacity market contracts to fossil fuel power plants since 2014, a new report has found, warning that weak oversight is locking in gas-fired generation, pushing up consumer bills, and inflating CO2 emissions.
European governments have awarded more than half of capacity market contracts to fossil fuel power plants since 2014, a new report has found, warning that weak oversight is locking in gas-fired generation, pushing up consumer bills, and inflating CO2 emissions.


A subscription is required to read this content. Subscribe today to Carbon Pulse Premium or Net Zero Pulse to access our unrivalled news and intelligence, as well as other content including all job listings. Click here for details.

We offer a FREE TRIAL to each of our subscription services and it only takes a minute to register. If you already have a Carbon Pulse account, login here.

This page is intended to be viewed online and may not be printed.
As per our terms and conditions, the republication or redistribution of Carbon Pulse content can result in the suspension or termination of your subscription.