Prof Michael Grubb responds to concerns over the UK's energy supply

As concerns grow over the future supply of electricity caused by recent coal-fired power plant closures, many experts, including UCL ISR’s Prof Michael Grubb, have said the closures would not lead to a blackout.

Michael Grubb, Professor of International Energy and Climate Change Policy, said:

“We have seen at least five years of “lights out” headlines, so far without so much as a flicker caused by insufficient capacity. Despite tight margins, extreme weather is far more likely to cause any household disconnections than insufficient generating capacity.” – The Guardian

“Energy demand is falling but supplies are falling even faster. This coming winter will be the tightest we have ever seen.” – The Financial Times

Full media coverage available below:

• 'Rapid decline of coal use leads to drop in UK emissions' The Guardian 
• 'Coal-fired power station wins reprieve with new government subsidies' The Financial Times
• 'Britain on the brink of blackouts for four winters' The Times
• 'Will UK coal-fired plant closures leave a gaping hole in the energy system?' Business Green
• 'Fears of lights going out played down amid closures of coal-fired power plants' The Herald
• 'Sad day: Power finally goes off at Ferrybridge C' Yorkshire Evening Post