Kingsnorth gets a friend in Energy Minister

Energy Minister of UK, Malcolm Wicks has indicated his support for coal-based power generation facility in Kingsnorth. In an interview with the Guardian, he said that placing a halt on coal power generation is not realistic. He stated that any such cessation will leave UK overly dependant on other countries for gas supply. He also slammed Tory party for suggesting California-style restrictions on E.On. E.On is responsible for operating Kingsnorth power plant. He said that such restrictions will unduly harm the project and may even force the company to drop the project.

Wicks emphasized that UK should develop coal based power generation so as to reduce its reliance on gas. He said that Gas supply mainly comes from those parts of the world which are not very stable. Moreover, He also suggested that companies should invest in installing CCS as European emission trading scheme now provides enough financial incentive to justify the installation. Ironically, his comments come close on the heels of protests against Kingsnorth power plant. As many as 50 people have been arrested following the demonstrations at the power plant site.

Cabinet now faces the crucial situation of giving the nod of approval to the project. Ministers are said to be equally split on the issue. However, the term ‘carbon capture ready’ seems to be the real bone of contention. British Government has maintained that approval will be given only if the project is ‘carbon capture ready’ however E.On has clearly mentioned that it will not proceed with the project until a clear explanation of the term emerges. It is expected that much-awaited ruling on the unambiguous definition of the term will be released by autumn.