Uniper to keep UK coal plant open longer than planned to ensure energy supply

German energy company Uniper said on Thursday that it has agreed to keep a unit of one of its UK coal stations open for longer than planned.

Earlier this year, the UK government asked Uniper about the possibility of keeping the unit at Ratcliffe power station, due to close in September 2022, open for longer.

Uniper said that following discussions with National Grid ESO and "in this unprecedented situation", it is able to support the government’s request and help maintain energy supply security.

The unit will now remain open until the end of March next year, for dispatch by National Grid ESO. Uniper is also reviewing the potential for operation after this time and is planning to make the unit available until the September 2024 coal phase out date, with the power station still set to close at the end of September 2024.