The Dimming of Coal: The UK’s Emergency Power Reserves in Peril
By Charles Rotter
The Dimming of Coal: The UK’s Emergency Power Reserves in Peril
This winter, Britain faces a complex energy challenge. The country’s remaining coal power plants, operated by Drax and EDF, are set to close, leaving the UK without its traditional backup energy reserves during the coldest months of the year. As per the National Grid’s statement, discussions with Drax and EDF have concluded. Both companies confirmed that their sites – West Burton A in Nottinghamshire and two units at Drax’s plant in Selby, Yorkshire – would no longer be available.
These plants served as vital last-resort energy providers during the previous winter, stepping in when the primary gas and renewable energy supplies ran low. However, the confirmed closure of these coal units implies that the Grid will no longer be able to keep this crucial contingency in reserve.
As Kathryn Porter, an energy analyst at consultancy Watt Logic, warns, the closure of these two coal power plants means that
“electricity supplies this winter would be less secure”
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/06/28/britain-left-without-emergency-coal-reserves-winter/
The National Grid had previously depended on these plants as backup facilities, especially during periods of system stress. The total backup capacity they offered was substantial, providing approximately 2.4 gigawatts when required. Last winter, these units were warmed up seven times and pressed into action once, costing the Grid (and ultimately bill-payers) about £400m.
Another coal power station, Uniper’s Ratcliffe-on-Soar, will remain operational but only on a commercial basis, hence, not available as a contingency. The Grid also relied on this plant to boost supplies during the summer heat, exemplifying its importance in maintaining a steady energy supply during peak demand times.
In the future, coal power generation will be phased out completely by October 1, 2024, primarily by making it “uneconomical” to generate any more. This is a reckless step in the mania of transitioning away from fossil fuels and nuclear power.
However, as we are shoved closer to this coal-free future, the immediate repercussions cannot be overlooked. The impending closure of these coal units casts a long shadow of uncertainty over Britain’s energy stability this winter. Our primary concern should be to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, especially during the most challenging periods of the year.
This situation calls for urgent consideration of backup solutions to maintain energy security. It is crucial to ensure that the bridge between the past and future remains stable, and energy supply continues uninterrupted. The aim of any energy policy should be to provide reliable and affordable power for all.
This winter, Britain faces a complex energy challenge. The country’s remaining coal power plants, operated by Drax and EDF, are set to close, leaving the UK without its traditional backup energy reserves during the coldest months of the year. As per the National Grid’s statement, discussions with Drax and EDF have concluded. Both companies confirmed that their sites – West Burton A in Nottinghamshire and two units at Drax’s plant in Selby, Yorkshire – would no longer be available.
These plants served as vital last-resort energy providers during the previous winter, stepping in when the primary gas and renewable energy supplies ran low. However, the confirmed closure of these coal units implies that the Grid will no longer be able to keep this crucial contingency in reserve.
As Kathryn Porter, an energy analyst at consultancy Watt Logic, warns, the closure of these two coal power plants means that
“electricity supplies this winter would be less secure”
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/06/28/britain-left-without-emergency-coal-reserves-winter/
The National Grid had previously depended on these plants as backup facilities, especially during periods of system stress. The total backup capacity they offered was substantial, providing approximately 2.4 gigawatts when required. Last winter, these units were warmed up seven times and pressed into action once, costing the Grid (and ultimately bill-payers) about £400m.
Another coal power station, Uniper’s Ratcliffe-on-Soar, will remain operational but only on a commercial basis, hence, not available as a contingency. The Grid also relied on this plant to boost supplies during the summer heat, exemplifying its importance in maintaining a steady energy supply during peak demand times.
In the future, coal power generation will be phased out completely by October 1, 2024, primarily by making it “uneconomical” to generate any more. This is a reckless step in the mania of transitioning away from fossil fuels and nuclear power.
However, as we are shoved closer to this coal-free future, the immediate repercussions cannot be overlooked. The impending closure of these coal units casts a long shadow of uncertainty over Britain’s energy stability this winter. Our primary concern should be to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, especially during the most challenging periods of the year.
This situation calls for urgent consideration of backup solutions to maintain energy security. It is crucial to ensure that the bridge between the past and future remains stable, and energy supply continues uninterrupted. The aim of any energy policy should be to provide reliable and affordable power for all.