Secretary of state Kwasi Kwarteng has called on National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) to explore options for bolstering energy security ahead of the winter, including utilising more coal.
Coal plants operated by Uniper, EDF and Drax may be closed later than originally planned following requests from the government.
As expected, the Capacity Market’s T-1 auction has entirely cleared in the first round at its highest ever price.
The UK has released the Presidency programme for the upcoming COP26 summit in Glasgow, with a day dedicated to energy.
The UK government has brought forward the ban on the use of unabated coal by a year, so that from 1 October 2024, Britain will no longer use coal within its energy system.
Global demand for electricity is predicted to rise by 4.5% in 2021 – equivalent to 1,000TWh – following heavy reductions as a result of COVID-19.
Wind and solar have driven a record fall in global coal generation in 2020, although this was heavily impacted by the low electricity demand caused by COVID-19.
EDF is to shutter its West Burton A power station in September 2022, leaving just one coal-fired power station remaining in the UK.
Centrica Business Solutions is to work with Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust to replace one of the two final coal boilers across the NHS estate.