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EDF Energy is aiming to upgrade 3GW of coal power capacity to meet European legislation needed to stay open long term, it announced on Wednesday.
The generator said it intends to keep open the 2GW Cottam plant and “at least” half of the 2GW West Burton A, which is classed as two plants for regulatory purposes. That will involve investing in kit to meet tighter air pollution limits under the Industrial Emissions Directive.
EDF presented the optimistic picture despite entering both power stations onto a list of capacity set to close early. It put forward the stations for the Limited Life Derogation, which allows them to run for limited hours until 2023 without upgrading. However, in common with all generators, EDF has the option to change its mind up until 1 January 2016.
A spokesperson said: “EDF Energy continues to explore various options to address the commercial, technical, environmental and regulatory challenges that legislation presents for existing coal powers stations after 2016…
“Existing coal stations in the UK will play a key role in ensuring security of supply during the transition to new low carbon generation in the early 2020s. Coal station operators need to ensure that the transition can be delivered in the most cost effective manner, minimising impact for customers and environment.”
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