Vattenfall exits German coal unit as it seeks sustainable energy

Swedish state-owned energy giant reaches deal with Czech company to sell German coal operations as it 'accelerates' shift to greener energy

Swedish state-owned energy giant Vattenfall said on Monday it had reached a deal to sell its German coal operations, employing 8,000 people, as it moves away from activities blamed for climate change.

Vattenfall said it would sell its German lignite, or brown coal, business - opencast coalmines and two power plants close to the German-Polish border - to Czech operator EPH.