Government agrees deal to extend life of coal power station

The Government is to keep a Nottinghamshire power station open over the winter to mitigate the potential for disruption to the UK’s energy supply.

The coal power station West Burton A, south of Gainsborough, is the first extension agreed by Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.

There are also talks taking place with Uniper about its plant in Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottinghamshire, and Drax about its coal-fired unit in Yorkshire. All three were scheduled to cease operating this autumn.

Kwarteng said he was “not taking chances” given the volatility in the market.

He said: “In May, I asked National Grid to explore keeping 3 coal power stations open this winter, if needed.

“With uncertainty in Europe following the invasion, it’s right we explore all options to bolster supply.

“I’m pleased EDF has today confirmed West Burton will remain online.”

West Burton A was commissioned in 1966 and provided electricity for around 2m people.

The Government has committed to a September 2024 deadline of ending domestic coal generation.