Energy News

E.ON plans for coal-fired power station accepted

Thursday 3 January, 2008

E.ON’s blueprint for the first coal-fired power station to be built in the UK for 20 years has been approved by Kent Councillors.

Central government will have the final say on whether the power plant will be constructed, but the favourable response from Medway Council looks likely to guarantee government approval.

Despite Greenpeace activists and Green MEPs claims that over 9000 objections to these plans have been raised by local residents, Medway committee chairwoman Diane Chambers maintains opposition is limited, with groups such as the RSPB and Environment Agency raising no objection.

In response, Green MEP for South East England Caroline Lucas labelled the move as ‘a massive step backwards’. She added ‘It really is not the kind of power station for the 21st century’.

A statement from Greenpeace urged local residents to remain unfazed by industry propaganda.

E.ON UK detailed the mechanics behind their decision by releasing the following statement:

‘£1billion investment in two new cleaner coal units would produce power from coal more efficiently and more cleanly than ever before in the UK. The units would produce enough energy to supply about 1.5 million homes and lead to a cut in carbon emissions of almost two million tons a year ’.

Member states of the European Union have agreed that by 2020 carbon emissions will be reduced by 20%, and Britain is expected to give the go ahead to a new crop of nuclear power plants during the early part of 2008.

Chris Eagle, EnergyChoices.co.uk commercial manager, had this to say:

‘The advent of British produced energy is something of a boon for the industry and, in turn, the consumer. The likelihood of the energy sector being held to ransom by Russian and Ukrainian suppliers is significantly reduced by moves like this and energy costs should therefore stabilise. The environmental implications of these coal-fired stations are truly grave however, especially at a time when renewable energy sources are so fashionable and vital. Are coal fired stations the way forward or a one way ticket back to 1975? A combination strategy of these stations and renewable sources such as wind farms seems the most sensible conclusion’.

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