The Cottam power station is a 2000MW plant that has played a crucial role in keeping the providing lighting on for more than 50 years.
The company intends to cease generation at this plant from 30 September 2019 and this decision reflects the challenging market conditions over the last few years and the decarbonization of electricity generation.
Furthermore, the Cottam power plant would not be economically viable beyond the end of September 2019, the company said.
Cottam Plant manager Andy Powell said: “When the power station was built it was designed to operate for 30 years. It’s a credit to our people, the engineering and EDF Energy’s investment that it has operated for more than 50 years. There has been an aspiration to move away from coal for a long time now and we have prepared thoroughly for the closure.
“We have a highly skilled and experienced workforce and we’re determined to support our people throughout this process. Today 158 people working at Cottam are in scope. During 2017 we supported 19 people to move into alternative roles within EDF Energy, and an additional 22 will be transferring into alternative roles over the coming months.
EDF Energy also operates the West Burton A coal power stations in North Nottinghamshire, which has a generating capacity of 2000MW. Three of the four units at the power plant has capacity agreements in place until the end of September 2021.
EDF Energy said that it is committed to honor the agreements and is expected to review the future of that station beyond that date.
Powell added: “We are conscious of the need to support a just transition to a low carbon energy system. Our ambition is to close the station safely and responsibly by managing people and the environment properly and continuing to be a good neighbor.”
The company claims that it continues to invest in, and to operate, low carbon generation, including nuclear and renewables. It also intends to invest in battery storage such as the 49MW project for the UK’s National Grid at the nearby West Burton site.
