It was planned to be a highly efficient plant and much more economic than the old one it would replace.

The proposal has been heavily criticised by various environmental groups, pointing out that it will emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and thus contribute to global warming.

It has been stated that no further coal-fired power stations should be built unless they are equipped with carbon capture technology.

The project has not yet been approved despite the fact that the builder would ensure that carbon capture would be installed when the technology was proven.

All the above seems reasonable when government targets on carbon emissions in the future are considered.


The government plans call for major developments in renewable energy – particularly wind turbines.

However, about a third of all UK coal-fired generating capacity is expected to retire over the next 10 years and no amount of wind turbines are going to be able to bridge that gap. With old nuclear stations also closing down progressively, the risk of electric power shut-downs is therefore high. So, what about a completely new coal-fired station?

The burners will be more efficient than the old ones. Steam will be produced at much higher temperatures and pressures than any existing boilers.

The turbines will be far more efficient than previously and, overall, the manufactures claim a 20 per cent gain in the efficiency of producing electricity.

In terms of carbon dioxide production, only 700grams of CO2 will be produced per kwh compared to 850grams for the old Kingsnorth plant.

Even without carbon capture, this is a worthwhile improvement.

With a planned total output of 1,600MW, this electricity would be produced with CO2 emissions equivalent to an old plant of around 1,300MW.

This gives an extra 300MW, with no CO2. This is the continuous output of some 60 large wind turbines and therefore some 240 turbines assuming usual wind effectiveness.

Given that coal can easily be stored (unlike gas) and the additional energy security that it provides (we import some 40 per cent of our current gas needs), perhaps there is a serious and useful future for new coal-fired power stations.
Ray Farnsworth,
Freelands,
Alnwick