Rail strikes: Mick Lynch says he 'doesn't want' action over Christmas
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The UK could see energy supplies plummet next week as rail strikes are expected to disrupt shipments to power stations amid plunging temperatures, according to the rail freight industry. The trade body Rail Partners warns that the 11 days of strike action will have a “significant impact” on chains across the energy sector, sparking concerns energy will become “scarce” as a cold snap looms.
Some shipments are still expected to arrive during the walkouts, but the UK’s biggest power generators could be set to take a hit. For instance, Rail Partners warned that the Drax power station in North Yorkshire, which burns wood pellets for energy, could see deliveries disrupted.
But Drax, which generates 12 percent of the country’s renewable power, argues that generation would not be disrupted as it has enough supplies to keep running.
Rail Partners said: “The additional strike days, and those previously announced, have a significant impact on supply chains for many sectors from energy, construction, mail, containerised traffic and maintenance of the railway itself.
“This could be profoundly felt in the UK energy supply chain, as temperatures drop and energy supplies are stretched further, it can ill afford for over 400 weekly trains transporting fuel to face severe disruption.”
Power stations like Drax are hugely dependent on the railways for receiving deliveries to generate energy.
But a spokesman said: “Drax Power Station plays a critical role in the UK energy system, generating reliable, renewable electricity at a time when the grid is under considerable pressure. While we do not expect the planned strike action to impact the operation of the power station, we want to see a swift resolution to this dispute.”
In Drax’s case, it requires wood pellet deliveries to generate biomass. But other stations may need coal.
While Britain is scrambling to phase out coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, the grid could put coal-power power stations on standby to avoid potential blackouts as energy imports plummet.
It comes amid fears that energy deliveries from Europe could also be slashed this winter as Russia may cut be inclined to cut more of its gas. Meanwhile, France, which exchanges energy with Britain via interconnectors, has also seen its power output take a hit due to issues with its nuclear reactors.
“But you have seen all sorts of things happening in recent weeks, and we plan for all eventualities, and the public should be confident that we have a very strong and diverse supply, that we have taken all the steps to look after our needs for this winter.”
Next week, things may get tough as the railways play an even more important role ahead of the Christmas period, helping fast-moving goods avoid motorway traffic.
But as well as strikes, a cold snap is expected to make things even more difficult. The Met Office has issued various weather warnings across Britain for the coming week as Arctic winds bring ice and sub-zero temperatures.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “The pattern for the next seven days is that it will remain cold and we will see double-digit minus figures overnight in areas that are prone to frosts and areas where there is lying snow.”
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Health authorities are advising people to keep the main room in their homes heated to at least 18C where possible. But as bills soar across the UK, many vulnerable households cannot even afford to put the heating on.
A study carried out by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that over three million people on low incomes cannot afford to heat their homes amid the “dangerously cold” weather.
The study authors wrote: “The dangerously cold weather on the horizon is cause for concern.
“People are being forced to wager their financial health and whether they can afford more debt, against their wellbeing without sufficient heat, clothing or hot food.”
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