Tipping Point blog draws slightly different conclusions.  http://wp.me/pCd4U-2N

Maps of other proposed coal developments all over the UK:
 http://coalintheuk.org/
...keep up the pressure - no new coal anywhere!

In the US, coal-fired power plants are being shelved. Proposer Utility Ottertail Backs Out.

 http://twincities.indymedia.org/2009/sep/big-stone-ii-cola-plant-dead-proposer-utility-backs-out

 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/10/439389.html
 http://leaveitintheground.org.uk/?p=185

We do not know the real reason. Spin says recession, direct action escalates the cost.

But, planning consent is only valid for five years. If no construction has started by then, a new planning application will have to be made.

Therefore be vigilant.

E.on have decided to f.off, at least in Kent for the time being.

But of interest is their reason ...

Due to a recession there is lowered demand for electricity, therefore no need, as yet, for a new coal-fired power station.

I am paraphrasing here, but it sums up the gist of what was said.

Two observations:

First: It knocks on the head the government assertion that we are heading for a power crisis, that the lights will go out 'unless we do something'. Actually I believe the government for once to be correct. We have handed over to the private sector a key infrastructure. There is no spare generating capacity. The supply system is brittle, not resilient.

Second: It supports what myself and others have been arguing for some time. The energy debate, or what masquerades as debate, is supply driven, when what we should be looking at is demand. E.on have have chosen to F.off, and the reason: demand has dropped, therefore we do not need to increase generation capacity.

Let us repeat: demand had dropped therefore we do not have to increase supply.

We cannot meet our existing demand from green and or renewable sources, those who believe otherwise are deluding themselves. The figures do not add up. Hence the need for extra generating capacity, be it coal or nuclear.

 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/415544.html?c=on

We have to cut our demand and make deep cuts if we want a green and carbon free future.

Footnote: Today Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Milliband said he intends to push ahead with a new generation of nuclear power stations and clean coal power stations. The local planning system is to be weakened to allow Big Business and Big Government to force through its unwanted agenda. Having thrown down the gauntlet, the response will be direct action on a growing scale.

Footnote: Today ofgen stated there will be an energy crisis and massive hike in energy bills in the near future.