Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the impact on (a) national and (b) global CO2 emissions of delaying the closure of coal plants operated by EDF, Drax and Uniper; and if he will make a statement.

In light of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is right that the Government explore a wide range of options to further bolster energy security and domestic supply. The Government is exploring slightly extending the life of remaining coal-fired power stations to provide additional back up electricity this coming winter if needed. It remains the Government commitment to end the use of coal power by October 2024. If the stations were to remain open over the winter, the Government would expect the impact on national and global CO2 emissions and consumers’ energy bills to be minimal.