Energy minister signals end for 'dirty' coal power

The new Energy and Climate Change Secretary Amber Rudd has announced all coal-fired power stations will close by 2025.

It makes the UK the first major country to end the use of fossil fuel.

But Rudd said new gas plants will be built to replace them within the next 10 years which could provide 30% of low-carbon electricity through the 2030s.

Why does this speech matter?

It was the first speech from Ms Rudd since the Government controversially "reset" its energy policy and cut support for renewable sources.

She said new gas and nuclear power plants can cut emissions and ensure energy security.

It comes amid concern about keeping the lights on in the UK, with National Grid having to issue a call to the industry earlier this month for more generation to be brought on to the system after a number of power plant failures left a reserve shortfall.

Hinkley Point nuclear power station in Somerset. Credit: PA

On nuclear investment

Rudd said the Government is dealing with a legacy of under-investment, which is now changing with plans for a new plant at Hinkley Point, Somerset, set to start generating in the mid 2020s and a new fleet of reactors planned.

The huge investment could provide up to 30% of the needed low-carbon electricity through the 2030s and create 30,000 jobs.

On 'dirty' coal-fired power plants

2012 file photo Protestors outside the gate to Hinkley Point nuclear power station in Somerset Credit: PA

Is there any criticism of the Government's energy policy?

The focus on gas - a fossil fuel which is less polluting than coal but produces many times the amount of emissions as nuclear or renewables - will likely anger campaigners who want to see backing for cleaner energy sources.

But a report by Greenpeace suggests retiring all of Britain's coal-fired power stations by 2023 will:

  • Avoid up to 3,800 premature deaths and lung problems for more than a million children and 1.7 million adults.

  • Save £6.7 billion in health costs between 2023 and 2030 from the effects of pollution.

The speech comes ahead of international talks in Paris to secure a new deal on tackling climate change, with pressure for targets to cut global emissions to zero and phase out fossil fuels in the long term to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.