The government is exploring whether old coal-fired power stations that are due to close this year could be kept open to ease the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Officials have approached EDF to find out if its West Burton A plant in Nottinghamshire could continue generating beyond its planned September closure date, The Times can reveal.
The early-stage talks are aimed at preventing Britain becoming even more reliant on burning gas for electricity, as prices hit record highs and the government seeks to end gas imports from Russia.
However, any request to keep coal-fired stations running would be controversial because they are far more polluting than gas. The UK committed to stop burning coal for power by October 2024 as part
