Lib Dems say Kingsnorth is now a dead duck

9.58.25am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd Oct 2009

Commenting on the admission by E.ON's UK boss that a new coal power plant at Kingsnorth would be unlikely to install clean coal technology in time to meet the Government's 2014 deadline, Simon Hughes said:

"Kingsnorth II is now a dead duck. This disclosure should put it out of the running for Government funding. If Kingsnorth doesn't withdraw itself from the CCS pilot shortlist, it should be removed.

"We need to have a carbon capture demonstration plant up and running by 2014 in order to roll out the technology across the sector by 2020. The Government has already repeatedly dithered over this project, the last thing we need is yet more delay.

"Britain can't afford a new generation of dirty coal.

"The UK has a great chance to lead the world in the development of carbon capture technology. Kingsnorth must not be allowed to get in the way."