UK may delay closure of coal power stations due to energy crisis

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government is considering delaying the closure of some of the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power stations due to the impact of the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine. The West Burton A coal-fired plant in Lincolnshire is scheduled to close this year, ahead of the 2024 deadline for all coal power stations, but government officials have approached energy company EDF to find out if the closure can be delayed and the power station kept online. The rapid phase out of coal in the UK means around just 2 per cent of the energy mix is met by coal-fired power stations, of which there are now just three remaining. "The plan is to start decommissioning the final two units at the start of October 2022, and many processes have already been put in place to achieve that, including reducing the site’s staffing numbers and running down the coal stock.” A government spokesperson told The Independent: “The UK remains committed to ending the use of coal power by 2024.