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UPDATED 1 Sept: The EI library in London is temporarily closed to the public, as a precautionary measure in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The Knowledge Service will still be answering email queries via email , or via live chats during working hours (09:15-17:00 GMT). Our e-library is always open for members here: eLibrary , for full-text access to over 200 e-books and millions of articles. Thank you for your patience.
Coal plants close – West Burton and Goole Hospital
EDF has decided to end electricity generation at its West Burton A power station, its sole remaining coal-fired power station, in September 2022.
Over the next 18 months, two of the four 500 MW coal units will be available purely to meet capacity market commitments, in order to assist with security of supply, before the whole station moves into decommissioning.
With a total generating capacity of 2,000 MW, West Burton A opened in 1966 and at its peak employed 750 people; now down to 170.
EDF’s Managing Director for the Generation business, Matt Sykes, said: ‘With EDF’s power generation strategy firmly focused on nuclear and renewables… we now believe it is the right time to provide clarity to our employees and all those connected to the site. West Burton A and its loyal workforce have played a critical role providing power to the UK for 55 years, including during this recent winter. Since 1966, the station has produced enough electricity to meet the needs of all UK households for more than four years.’
Mike Macdonald, of one of three trade unions represented at the site, Prospect, said: ‘We need to be sure that the transition from traditional generation to low carbon energy is fair to individuals who have worked hard and flexibly to keep customers supplied with electricity.’
Meanwhile, Centrica Business Solutions is set to deliver a programme of energy efficiency measures for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation trust, which will see the final coal-fired boiler in A&E departments across the NHS estate decommissioned. The £2.7mn project will see the installation of a new combined heat and power (CHP) unit to replace the coal boiler plant and a redundant CHP unit at Goole Hospital.
The new 150 kWe CHP will provide the power needs for the hospital, while upgraded pumps, controls, LED lighting and improved insulation will see carbon emissions at the Trust reduced by around 1,700 tonnes a year, says Centrica. Funding for the project was secured from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Photo: EDF
