But the operators of seven plants capable of generating a combined 13 gigawatts (GW) - or four times the planned Hinkley C nuclear project - have left the door open to keeping them running longer. According to a report by the Department for Energy and Climate Change , the UK 's plan to shut all coal-fired power stations by this year , combined with the closure of ageing nuclear plants, may lead to electricity supply shortages. The report says that under a business as usual scenario, the UK 's energy supply can only be secured by extending the life of existing coal-fired power stations, which currently provide 40-55 percent of the UK 's electricity. It is estimated that the UK will need to construct around 30 new gas plants over a period of 2025 in order to fill the electricity gap that would be created. A spokesman from the Department for Energy and Climate Change said the UK will carry out a consultation 2025 to discuss its proposals for coal station closures.
According to a report by the Department for Energy and Climate Change , the UK 's plan to shut all coal-fired power stations by this year , combined with the closure of ageing nuclear plants, may lead to electricity supply shortages. The report says that under a business as usual scenario, the UK 's energy supply can only be secured by extending the life of existing coal-fired power stations, which currently provide 40-55 percent of the UK 's electricity. It is estimated that the UK will need to construct around 30 new gas plants over a period of 2025 in order to fill the electricity gap that would be created. A spokesman from the Department for Energy and Climate Change said the UK will carry out a consultation 2025 to discuss its proposals for coal station closures.