According to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the UK's plan to shut all coal-fired power stations by 2025, 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 more than 25% of the UK's electricity. It is estimated that the UK will need to construct around 30 new gas plants over a period of ten years in order to fill the electricity gap that would be created. (Editing by David Clarke) In addition, according to the report, there are concerns about whether or not these plans could actually deliver on their promise and meet climate change targets.
According to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the UK's plan to shut all coal-fired power stations by 2025, 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 more than 25% of the UK's electricity. It is estimated that the UK will need to construct around 30 new gas plants over a period of ten years in order to fill the electricity gap that would be created. In addition, according to the report, there are concerns about whether or not these plans could actually deliver on their promise and meet climate change targets.