EU countries' energy ministers meet in Luxembourg on Monday to agree a joint stance on new EU power market rules, aimed at expanding low-carbon power and avoiding a repeat of last year's energy crisis, when record-high gas prices left consumers with soaring energy bills.
Poland - which could prolong its support scheme for coal plants beyond 2025 under the proposal - said last week the idea had majority support.
Some EU countries say they need more flexibility in how fast they exit the fuel and support new industries in communities that have long relied on coal sector jobs.
The official said they expected ministers to approve the power market reforms - but that it was not clear if the coal carve-out would make it into the final deal.
Once EU countries agree their stance, they must negotiate the final power market upgrade with EU Parliament, aiming to pass the law before EU Parliament elections next year.
Persons:
Kate Abnett, Giles Elgood
Organizations:
Union, EU, Reuters, EU Parliament, Thomson
Locations:
LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg, Sweden, Poland