The National Grid has confirmed discussions with Drax, the UK power producer, about the possibility of reactivating two coal-powered units for emergency backup power next winter.
Earlier this year, the government prompted the power operator to consider expanding a coal reserve used last winter as a precautionary measure.
Drax is contemplating reopening units at its North Yorkshire power station, as mentioned in the grid operator’s preliminary winter forecast published today.
However, a spokesperson for Drax clarified that while there have been multiple discussions with the Government and National Grid since April, no formal negotiations are underway to extend the operation of its coal units.
Despite this, the National Grid maintains that it anticipates enough capacity to satisfy electricity demand this winter.
Last year, the Drax units were part of the reserve, and that contract expired in March.
In a bid to achieve a net-zero grid by the mid-next decade, the UK intends to shut down all remaining coal-fired generation by the end of 2024.
