Two new gas power stations given green light
Two new power plants have been granted planning consent as the Government continues to attract investment in new energy infrastructure.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Lord Bourne has approved the construction of two gas-fired power generation plants by Progress Power Ltd in Eye, Suffolk, and by Hirwaun Power Limited near Aberdare in South Wales.
Both sites will operate as ‘peaking’ plants; providing electricity when there is a surge in demand, or where there is a sudden drop in power being generated from other power plants.
The construction of the plants will create up to 400 jobs, with around 30 permanent positions once they become operational.
Energy Minister Lord Bourne said:
“Continued investment is essential as we move the UK towards a cleaner energy future. These stations will create jobs while helping to keep people’s lights on.
“Gas is the greenest fossil fuel we have; generating electricity with only half the emissions produced by coal.”
If the companies take final investment decisions on construction, both plants would have a generating capacity of up to 299 megawatts of electrical output.
Notes to editors
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All figures relating to the Hirwaun Power Plant are from the applicant’s application for development consent and Hirwaun Power Limited’s Project page
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All figures relating to the Progress Power Station are from the applicant’s application for development consent and Progress Power Limited’s Project page