Coal-fired plant closed

EDF Energy is closing a coal- fired power station because of ‘ challenging market conditions’.

The company plans to shut down generation at its Cottam coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire on September 30.

The Prospect union said the closure was ‘premature’, describing it as a ‘ huge blow’ to workers and the local economy. Cottam plant manager Andy Powell said: ‘There has been an aspiration to move away from coal for a long time now and we have prepared thoroughly for the closure.’

Coal has been making up a shrinking share of electricity generation in the UK, ahead of the Government’s deadline to phase it out by October 2025.