Eggborough workers demand action to save power station

Staff at Eggborough power station have written to MPs requesting help to prevent the plant’s closure, following Energy Secretary Ed Davey’s shock decision not to support its multi-million pound plans to switch from burning coal to wood.

Union leaders last night complained of “an act of industrial vandalism” that would see the UK lose four per cent of its energy capacity at a stroke if bosses push ahead with the decision to close the plant in 2015.

In the joint letter to local MPs published today, Eggborough workers said they were “proud to have kept the lights on for the last 40 years”, and asked for help to fight the closure.

Unite national officer for energy Kevin Coyne said: “Writing off Eggborough power station would be an act of industrial vandalism that puts Britain’s energy security at risk and will lead to thousands of lost jobs.

“Coal-fired power stations are closing and there are not enough replacements, yet Ed Davey seems content to lose four per cent of the UK’s energy capacity in one fell swoop. We sincerely hope the Energy Secretary rethinks this bizarre decision.”

Prospect negotiator Mike Macdonald added: “The Eggborough conversion plan would place the plant in a position to play a key role in keeping the lights on while helping the country meet its carbon reduction targets.

“We urge the Government to rethink the conversion proposals for the good of the plant, the staff and the bill-paying public.”

Responding to the letter, Eggborough bosses admitted they had been “surprised” at the Government’s decision not to back their plans in December, and said the future of the plant now lies in the hands of senior Ministers.

Paul Tomlinson, head of operations at Eggborough, said: “Given our advanced project-readiness and final-stage financing, we remain surprised Eggborough was not selected as one of the projects to receive early support. Subsequent conversations with Government have not clarified our understanding of the outcome.

“With political will, the significant investment, employment and energy security opportunities of this project can still be fully realised - but is in the hands of Ministers.”