Babcock & Wilcox, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, has announced that it will supply boilers for a new coal-fired power plant in West Virginia. The contract, valued at millions of dollars, is one of the largest of its kind in recent years and marks a significant expansion into the US market for the UK-based firm.
The news comes as the UK government faces growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and meet its climate targets. Last month, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched a consultation on plans to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2025. However, critics have argued that the move is too slow and will not do enough to address the UK's energy security concerns.
Opposition MPs have accused the government of being inconsistent in its approach to energy policy, with some arguing that it should be investing more in renewable energy sources rather than supporting coal-fired power plants. 'This contract is a reminder of the UK's reliance on fossil fuels and our failure to invest in clean energy,' said Labour's Shadow Energy Secretary, Emily Thornberry.
The new coal plant in West Virginia will be one of the largest in the US, with a capacity of over 1,000 megawatts. Babcock & Wilcox has secured a contract to supply the boilers for the project, which is expected to begin construction next year.