EDF to close coal-fired plant in 2022
ENERGY giant EDF has said it will close its only remaining coal-fired power plant in 2022, several years ahead of the deadline to phase out the fossil fuel.
Ending generation at West Burton A power station in Nottinghamshire in September 2022 will leave just one coal-fired power station on the British grid in the run-up to the phasing out of the polluting fuel for power.
The Government set a deadline to ensure all unabated coal-fired power stations closed in Britain by October 2025 as part of efforts to tackle climate change, and has recently consulted on bringing the date forward to 2024.
EDF said the four coal units at West Burton A will be available over the next 18 months only to meet commitments under the “capacity market” which pays power plants to be ready to come online to ensure security of supply.
From September 2022 it will be decommissioned, the company said.
The power station is capable of generating enough electricity for approximately 3.7 million UK homes, and at its peak employed 750 people, with around 170 currently working there.
EDF’s managing director for the generation business, Matt Sykes, said: “West Burton A and its loyal workforce have played a critical role providing power to the UK for 55
170 Number of people currently working at West Burton A power station
years, including during this recent winter.
“Since 1966, the station has produced enough electricity to meet the needs of all UK households for more than four years – a truly incredible achievement.
“With EDF’s power generation strategy firmly focused on nuclear and renewables - and in this key year for UK leadership on climate change - we now believe it is the right time to provide clarity to our employees and all those connected to the site.”
The company said it has been working with trade unions GMB, Prospect and Unite to prepare for the future of West Burton A and help people extend their career after closure.
The unions said knowing the date of closure allows people to make plans, and enabling a “just transition” away from coal generation is very important.
Mike Macdonald, of Prospect, said: “We need to be sure that the transition from traditional generation to low-carbon energy is fair to individuals who have worked hard and flexibly to keep customers supplied with electricity.
“I am personally very pleased to be involved in running ‘just transition’ workshops for the West Burton A team over coming months as we move towards decommissioning in 2022.”