RWE has taken the decision to close the 1560 MW Aberthaw B coal-fired power plant. RWE will transfer Aberthaw power plant’s existing capacity market agreements for the years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 to third parties and a small proportion to other units within RWE’s fleet. In doing so, it is assured that the total amount of capacity available under the capacity market remains the same.

Consultation with affected staff and employee representatives will now begin. The proposed date of closure is 31 March 2020.

It has been clear for some time that the market conditions for coal-fired power generation in the UK have been challenging.

Roger Miesen, CEO of RWE Generation said: “This is a difficult time for everyone at Aberthaw power plant. However, market conditions made this decision necessary. I would like to thank all of our staff, past and present, who have contributed to the success of the station for so many years. Over the coming months we will complete the consultation process”.

Tom Glover, Chief Commercial Officer of RWE Generation and RWE UK Country Chair, said: “For nearly 50 years the plant has played an invaluable role in helping to secure the energy supplies across the UK electricity system and we are very proud of its flexibility and resilience. With our flexible gas and biomass power station portfolio, RWE will remain an important player in the UK energy market.”

Aberthaw B power plant in Wales has played a critical role in the UK’s power generation mix since it began operations in 1971, establishing strong links with the community and contributing millions of pounds to the local economy. Aberthaw power plant directly employs around 170 people.

The decision to close the plant will contribute to the company’s goal to reduce its CO2 emissions step by step. Since 2012, RWE has already decreased its CO2emissions from power generation by 60 million tpy, which is comparable to taking 30 million cars off the road.

The details of the Capacity Market Agreement transfer remain confidential.