Britain turns to coal-fired plants to avert winter power cuts

Contracts signed with power generators to extend life of four coal-fired power units and two plants as 'last resort'

Several European governments have requested that back-up power be made available from idle coal plants or those due to close, due to lower gas flows from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Britain is turning to old coal-fired power units as a "last resort" in case other sources cannot provide enough electricity through the winter as the country faces a wider energy crisis.

Several European governments have requested that back-up power be made available from idled coal plants or those due to close, due to lower gas flows from Russia as a result of disputes triggered by its invasion of Ukraine.