French utility EDF has abandoned its plan to convert its 1.2 GW Cordemais 2 coal-fired plant to biomass, with plans to cease power production by 2027, reported Montel.
France's CGT energy union said EDF CEO Luc Remont had previously informed staff representatives of the plans on 16 September.
CGT urged the French government to protect the plant from closure.
The planned project involved constructing a manufacturing plant for pellets formed of recovered wood on the Cordemais site, to replace coal by 2027.
“After analysis, as the technical and economic requirements for this project have not been met, EDF will not be able to completely substitute coal with pellets,” EDF said in a statement.
However, the energy giant said it wanted to 'maintain industrial activity at the site'.
Through its subsidiary Framatome, it now plans to construct a plant for pipes manufacture.
These pipes will be used for European pressurised reactors (EPRs).
The plant would employ around 100 staff at the onset, rising to around 200 at peak operation, claimed EDF.
EDF abandons Cordemais biomass plant
