EON's Case for Renewable Energy

Apr 06 - Birmingham Post; Birmingham (UK)

Gas, coal and nuclear must live alongside biomass and renewable energy if the UK is to reduce carbon emissions and secure power supplies, EON has claimed.

The group, which is the parent company of Midlands-based Central Networks and Powergen, made the call in a response to the Government's Energy Review published in January.

In its submission, EON said that a range of technologies should be adopted if the UK wanted to ensure security of supply.

The energy giant also called on the Government to offer incentives to people whose homes are more energy efficient.

Dr Paul Golby, chief executive of EON UK, said: "This Energy Review is the single most important piece of work to shape the future of the power and gas industry for the next 50 years.

"The decisions the Government takes will resonate for generations to come, they will shape investments worth billions of pounds, help reduce carbon emissions and ensure the lights stay on for this generation and for generations to come.

"It is therefore critical that the UK has a sustainable mix of generation - which will also help to reduce the effects of climate change - and a long-term framework that allows us to invest.

"As an industry leader we believe it is our responsibility to look at all generation options, including nuclear power, although there is no guarantee that we will build such a power station in the UK.

"Above all, we need a long-term framework that allows us to provide the power and gas required to help keep people's homes warm and their lights on."

EON said it would be looking into the possibility of building a 450-megawatt, coal-fired power station with a carbon capture and storage system on the Lincolnshire coast.