Coal power station decision to be delayed

The German energy giant E.ON has requested the government to delay deciding whether the Kingsnorth coal-powered electricity generating station can proceed. This has placed a stumbling block to what is the first coal-fired power generating station in a span of over twenty five years.

The energy giant is seeking clarification from the government over ministers’ specific requirements for carbon capture and storage technology; when that technology sees the light of day.

Greenpeace said the latest development on the coal-fired power station was a big setback for the government’s electricity plans and argued that it revealed that the energy policies of the government were in a shambles.

Kingsnorth in Kent has been granted planning permission from the local Medway authority. The final verdict will be made by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. The secretary for business, John Hutton has expressed his support for the scheme but is likely to be opposed by the secretary for the environment, Hilary Benn.

The chief executive of E.ON, Dr. Paul Golby disclosed that after they are sure of the requirements necessary for a coal-fired power station to be considered CCS-ready, they will proceed with the construction of the plant.

The Greenpeace executive director, John Sauven said E.ON’s move was a big blow to the secretary for business and urged the prime minister to intervene and order a comprehensive coal review.

The head of climate change at WWF-UK, Keith Allot observed that the energy policy was in a shambles and urged that if the coal-fired power station goes ahead then it must be able to capture and store every bit of carbon it produces.

www.eon-uk.com