UK Energy Secretary Ed Davey has hinted it is likely the UK will invest in gas-fired power stations in the coming months, ahead of his new energy strategy announcement this autumn.
The indication comes as Ireland-based Electricity Supply Board (ESB)'s Carrington Power reached a financial close with a syndicate of international banks for a combined cycle gas turbine just outside Manchester, North England.
Davey commented, 'Conventional gas fired power generation needs to remain in the energy mix for some time, even as we seek to develop alternative low carbon technologies such as renewables, nuclear and carbon capture and storage. We urgently need to replace some of our ageing coal power stations and gas is relatively quick to build and half as polluting.
'This announcement by ESB is great news for the UK's energy security, and a recognition that the government's approach to encouraging new capacity is increasingly recognised by investors. It's also great news for the Manchester area in terms of investment and jobs.'
Speaking to the Guardian, Davey made clear that the expansion of the gas sector would not harm the future of renewables.
He said, 'I strongly support more gas, just as I strongly support more renewable energy. We need a big expansion of renewable energy and of gas if we are to tackle our climate change challenges.'