UK to Phase Out Coal Power by Next Winter, National Grid Developing Tools to Manage Grid

The National Grid is in discussions with Drax power plant about extending the life of its coal units to provide emergency power this winter, but a spokesperson for Drax has said that its COAL units are now closed and the decommissioning process has already started.

The industry source said it is "very, very unlikely" that coal at the power station will be restarted.

The National Grid has identified continued energy "risks and uncertainties arising from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine".

The National Grid will use the demand flexibility service to help manage scenarios like very cold periods with limited wind power.

The government has asked the grid to explore the potential for contingency coal contracts for winter 2023/2024.

Coal power generation is due to be phased out completely by October 2024.

Some experts have expressed concern that it is too soon to lose coal and that the UK shouldn't rely too heavily on interconnectors from Europe supplying electricity when needed.

The article discusses the closure of all remaining coal power stations by law by next winter and the need for National Grid to develop tools to manage the grid with reducing amounts of coal available until it falls to zero or to lobby for a change in the law to keep the resource available for use.