This text looks at the future prospects for the British coal industry by investigating its historical role, and by examining it in the light of contemporary world coal trade.
The Committee's major inquiry into Energy in Wales was published on 20 July 2006 (HC 867-I 2005-06) did not cover open cast mining. However there was a proviso that "should open cast mining in Wales be extended further, an in-depth assessment of the environmental impact of that process would be worthwhile". Following representations by the Opnecast Coal Committee of Wales and groups opposed to such developments the Committee decided to undertake this follow-up inquiry. It also took evidence on the development of sustainable technologies and measures to encourage microgeneration.
The Government must start thinking strategically about energy security to protect the UK's energy supply against short-term shocks and rising global energy prices, according to a report by MPs on the Energy and Climate Change Committee. Gas storage capacity needs to be increased in the UK to minimise the potential damage from supply interruptions or price spikes, the report argues. It reveals that the UK's current storage capacity amounts to only 14 days worth of gas supply - a dangerously low level compared with France which has 87 days worth of gas storage, Germany 69 and Italy 59. 19 gigawatts (GW) of ageing electricity plant will close by 2018 and the UK will become increasingly reliant on energy imports as North Sea oil and gas reserves decline. The report concludes that new electricity generation currently being built or planned will fill this "gap". But it urges the Government to ensure security of supply by delivering on its energy efficiency targets, rolling out smart meters - that can balance demand - and maintaining a diverse energy mix.