BERLIN -- Officials said Wednesday that the German government would like to temporarily keep coal-fired power stations on standby for nearly two years in order to prevent a potential electricity shortage in the event of a sudden reduction in natural gas supplies to Russia.

Germany is working to get rid of Russian gas after the conflict in Ukraine and hopes to complete this process by 2024. The government is concerned that Moscow may suddenly cut off supplies in response to economic sanctions placed on Russia by Western countries, including Germany.

Cabinet approved a draft law that would allow coal-fired power plants to continue in operation despite being scheduled for closure.

Germany already has many other coal- and oil-fired power plants that are available on standby, which can be activated in an immediate emergency.

Christiane Hoffmann, a government spokeswoman, stated that the decision was crucial "in light the Russian attack against Ukraine and the tension on the energy markets."

She stated that the goal to complete the German coal phaseout by 2030 is still possible and the climate targets are intact.

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