(MENAFN) The energy industry of Finland had a strong reaction against the anticipated governmental decision to prohibit the use of coal in 2025 rather than the 2030 set in the initial plan.

According to CEO of the national association of energy production, the coal usage would reduce on its own within the next decade anyway, but the decision to speed up the process is likely to raise the energy production costs, which will leave customers and tax payers not paying.

Minister of the Environment, Energy and Housing said giving up coal as an energy source must be hurried and the usage of natural gas must be favored.

Statistics Finland showed that in 2016, the country's greenhouse gas discharges had increased by 6% from a year before, mainly because of the increase in the burning of coal in facilities that produce both electricity and heating for housing.

MENAFN0801201800450000ID1096321577