An energy company planning a new coal-fired power station in the UK successfully pressed the government into dropping carbon emission conditions, according to evidence uncovered by green campaigners earlier this year.

Using the Freedom of Information Act, environmentalists obtained e-mails showing a discussion between E.ON UK and Business Secretary John Hutton over whether "concern capture storage" technology — designed to reduce carbon emissions — should be installed in the project in Kent.

In one e-mail, E.ON asked Mr. Hutton not to include a condition on CCS, and suggested new proposals could be drawn up once the technology became "commercially viable".

Mr. Hutton replied: "Thanks. I won't include (the condition)."

Greenpeace, which obtained the e-mails, said the exchange showed the government's climate and energy policy was reversed in the face of pressure from E.ON. The government replied it was standard practice to explore conditions with companies.

Meanwhile in recent months in Bermuda, residents near the Belco plant in Pembroke have been complaining about being left in the dark over plans to install two new power stations.

Families — who say they already suffer from poor air quality as a result of emissions — said the proposal was sprung on them at late notice when Belco announced it in November.

Public access to information would enable the release of minutes from Government and Belco meetings so they can see how discussions over pollution unfolded.