Faced with the risks weighing on the energy supply next winter, which could result in cuts affecting millions of homes, London is preparing in particular to run its coal-fired power stations longer, we learned on Monday from of the government.
“It is normal that we explore a wide range of options to strengthen our energy security and our supply” and “even if there is no shortage, we may have to keep our coal-fired power plants open” this winter, according to a statement sent to AFP. In a scenario in which Russia further cuts its gas supply to Europe, power outages during peak consumption could affect up to six million homes next winter, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. AFP, confirming information from the daily The Times.
The United Kingdom, very dependent on gas in its electricity production, nevertheless imports less Russian hydrocarbons than other European countries, and London has announced the end of its imports of Russian oil and coal by the end of end of the year and also wants to eventually stop those of gas. Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng has asked the operators of the country’s last three coal-fired power plants, which were due to close from next September, to keep them open, without giving up on the country’s goal of fully phasing out coal thermal by October 2024, assures the executive.
Drax, which operates the country’s largest coal-fired plant, had already indicated in September that it could extend the use of coal if necessary, to help maintain the balance of the electricity network. Another avenue explored by the government to secure supply is to extend the life of the Hinkley B nuclear power plant, the dismantling of which was to begin this summer, said Monday the Secretary of State in charge of technologies Chris Philip. “The government has no gas or electricity supply problems and is fully prepared for all scenarios, even those that are extreme and very unlikely to occur,” however assured the executive.
In addition to fears over supply, the surge in energy prices is fueling a severe crisis in the cost of living in the country, which will worsen further this winter. London resolved last week to introduce a tax on the profits of the oil giants to finance billions of pounds of aid to the most modest. The British government recently published a new strategy which continues to emphasize the development of renewable energies, but which also advocates investment in hydrocarbons in the North Sea.
