EU pollution regulations 'could prompt energy crisis'

The proposed EU Industrial Emissions Directive could cause an energy crisis in the UK if passed, the Confederation of British Industry has warned.

John Cridland, deputy director-general of the organisation, called the timescales being discussed "unrealistic" and suggested up to 14 British power stations could be forced to shut down prematurely over the next six years as a result of the pollution legislation.

"Businesses want to help cut air pollution, but this directive must be implemented in a way that doesn't undermine the UK's energy security," he remarked.

Mr Cridland indicated that it would be better to allow the at-risk power plants to "run their course" and close down as scheduled in the 2020s, to allow a "smooth transition" to low-carbon energy without running the risk of an energy gap.

European Voice reported in February that flexible deadlines are being considered in Brussels that would allow national governments to delay the implementation of further pollution controls until 2020.

Written by Joseph Hutton