07/01/2009
AEP comment on gas dispute
Commenting on the dispute about gas supplies between Russia and Ukraine, David Porter, Chief Executive of the Association of Electricity Producers, said:
“Whether this is a commercial dispute, raw politics or both, it sends a clear message to the UK. We must not become over-dependent on imported gas. We can avoid that with continued encouragement for renewable energy, nuclear power and new coal-fired electricity. We need coal-fired electricity to keep the lights on as we progress towards a carbon-neutral future. New coal-fired stations can be built much sooner than new nuclear and they can help us to avoid power shortages as our ageing power stations close in the next few years.
‘Carbon emissions from coal-fired stations should not be a problem. They are addressed through the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, which is tightening CO2 emission limits EU-wide. In the longer run, carbon capture and storage could deliver further emission reductions. But, the development of carbon capture and storage technology will not happen if we let coal-fired generation wither away in the interim.”
Contact:
Laura Schmidt, Communications Executive, 020 7747 2922
David Porter, Chief Executive, 07799134255
Note:
The Association of Electricity Producers (AEP) represents electricity companies accounting for more than 95% of the UK generating capacity, together with a number of businesses that provide equipment and services to the generating industry. Between them, the members embrace all of the generating technologies used commercially in the UK, from coal, gas and nuclear power, to a wide range of renewable energies.
Natural gas accounted for 43% of UK electricity production in 2007 (36% in 2006). Most of the gas is sourced from the UK continental shelf and Norway.