New Power Station Must Be Low Carbon, Says Clegg

11.08.23am GMT Wed 12th Mar 2008

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has spoken out against the government's short-sighted plans for a new generation of coal-fired power stations, calling the recent Kingsnorth proposal a "monstrosity".

The Government has angered environmentalists this week by warning that Britain needs to burn more fossil fuels to prevent power cuts. Business Secretary John Hutton is overseeing the Kingsnorth proposals and said coal-fired power stations will remain a "key source" of energy in Britain.

Nick Clegg said: "At a time when the Government should be working to reduce the UK's emissions, ministers seem determined to allow a huge new polluting power station at Kingsnorth. What planet is John Hutton living on? Without carbon capture and storage, clean coal is a total myth.

"This monstrosity will only emit 20% less than previous coal fired stations, and a massive 75% more than a gas powered plant. Kingsnorth should not be given the go ahead unless carbon capture and storage is part of it from day one.