The Campaign to Protect Rural England Kent has slammed plans to invest billions in developing 'clean coal’ at power plants such as Kingsnorth in Hoo.

The European Commission has announced plans to offer £1.3 billion to Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) and £600 million to renewables, as part of plans to invest more in energy infrastructure.

Kingsnorth is one of four UK power stations planned to be allocated a share of the £1.3 billion, the others being Longannet in Fife, Hatfield in Yorkshire and Tilbury in Essex.

CPRE Kent believes the plans for the cash are a huge backwards step in the fight against climate change.

Sean Furey, deputy director of CPRE Kent said:

“Clean Coal is myth put forward by an industry stuck in the past. The money that Europe plans to invest in Carbon Capture Storage would be much better spent in counties like Kent, on supporting energy projects to insulate homes and develop the UK’s excellent renewable energy potential.”