But uncertainty over energy policy during the past two two decades means few new ones have been built, leaving Britain with a fleet of ageing gas plants.
More than half face closure within the next few years, slashing generating capacity by 15Gw and leaving just 12Gw of existing plants available to the National Grid.
Another 9Gw of new capacity is already expected, which would take the total to 21Gw
But this falls short of the 22 to 28Gw of gas-fired plants that the Government estimates will be needed in 2035 to keep the lights on.
The new power stations would get most of their income from capacity payments – the money offered by the Government to build power stations and keep them on standby.
If, however, they switched on, they would get more money for the power they generated.
Kisha Couchman, deputy director of Energy UK, which represents suppliers, said: “The pathway to net zero set out by the Climate Change Committee does include a small role for unabated gas to ensure security of supply but the Government must also ensure that there is a clear decarbonisation pathway for these plants, either through carbon capture and storage or hydrogen.”
However, Baroness Brown, vice-chairman of the Climate Change Committee, said: “It is disappointing that the Government seems to be focused on fossil fuels as a stop gap and not long duration energy storage as a secure solution.”
Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
