By Greg Christison
Scotland’s biggest power station may be given a stay of execution because
wind turbines are not producing enough energy, it has emerged.
Longannet, which is owned by ScottishPower, was facing an earlier than
expected closure due to the fees involved in staying connected to the
National Grid.
But its closure could now be delayed after experts admitted the grid
requires back-up to avoid power failures if wind drops and turbines are
unable to produce energy.
It’s understood the coal-fired station in Fife is being considered to fill
the void, along with SSE’s gas plant in Peterhead.
The revelation yesterday sparked a response from opposition politicians who
insist the SNP’s reliance on renewable energy is flawed.
Scottish Tories’ energy spokesman Murdo Fraser said: “This is a common
sense solution which, if finalised, guarantees we’ve a range of sources
feeding into the National Grid.
“The idea that we could keep the lights on while depending entirely on
renewables is a nonsense and I’m glad that this has been recognised.
“The answer to Scotland’s energy challenges is not to close power stations
– it’s to build more.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We want secure and affordable energy
supplies based on a balanced energy mix.”
National Grid is now negotiating with the management of Longannet and
Peterhead stations.
They are the only viable alternatives, after the closure of Cockenzie
coal-burning power station in East Lothian and the impending demolition of
oil-burning Inverkip, Inverclyde.
A greater reliance is being put on renewable energy with conventional power
generation in Scotland being shut down due to age, high emissions and cost.
A multi-billion pound project is under way to install extra capacity
between Scotland and England, which will facilitate cross-border transfer
of power if demand outstrips supply.
It will allow the transfer of renewable energy from Scotland to English
cities but, when the wind drops, the flow can be reversed to serve Scottish
demand.
Until that is in place, the National Grid has calculated there is enough
risk of a voltage shortfall that it needs to make plans to avoid that.
The transmission company is now asking generators to bid for payments to
provide standby power quickly.
A National Grid statement said: “To ensure we can maintain system
stability, even in extreme circumstances, we’re in discussions with thermal
generators in Scotland to procure some additional voltage control support,
from April 2016.
“A final decision, outlining our plans, will be announced by the end of
March 2015.”
A ScottishPower spokesman said: “We’re engaged in this commercial process.
“All talks relating to this are confidential.”
Although a privatised company, owning and running most of the high-voltage
network, National Grid also carries responsibility for ensuring power
supply and voltage is maintained throughout the country.
Energy planners say nuclear power is not suitable for back-up power.
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