coal phase out

The UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station has received its final shipment of coal ahead of shutting down later this year.

French-owned energy company EDF Energy has confirmed that West Burton A, a coal-fired power station, closed at midnight 31 March 2023.

Uniper is the latest company to reach an agreement with the UK Government to keep a coal-fired power plant online throughout the winter months in order to mitigate the impact of the ongoing energy crisis.

​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.