by Trevor Sturgess

Kent-based energy consulting group McKinnon and Clarke has expressed disappointment at the decision to delay the proposed Kingsnorth coal-fired power station.

E.ON announced this week that it was shelving the project for the time being because recession had dampened demand.

Greenpeace, which staged high-profile protests at Kingsnorth, claimed credit for the decision.

But experts are worried that within a few years, the UK will not have enough capacity to satisfy its energy needs.

McKinnon and Clarke, with its head offices near Sittingbourne, shared their concerns.

Its energy analyst David Hunter said: "It is disappointing that E.ON has announced a delay in the building of a new clean coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth.

"While there has been some drop off in energy demand due to the recession, this has only bought us a couple of years at the most. The reality is there is a still an urgent need to press ahead with the development of clean coal technology if we are to avoid energy deficits in the future."

It was not good news for the Government which has been accused of "lack of clarity and weak signals when it comes to supporting low-carbon technologies".

Mr Hunter added: "What this announcement highlights is that the government needs to have a clear energy strategy which will help attract badly-needed private investment.

"Renewables and nuclear will play a part in the UK’s energy mix, but the reality is fossil fuels will remain the main source of energy production for sometime to come. The race is on to clean up coal-fired generation and the UK, instead of leading the way, has taken a step backwards with this delay."

Meanwhile, Conservatives have pledged to fund costly carbon capture technology, which would cut emissions and climate change impact, if they win the next general election.