
UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has given the go ahead for a highly efficient 1020 MW gas-fired combined heat and power station in Teesside in North East England.
Thor Cogeneration Ltd will begin construction at the 40 acre site in 2009 and expect that the plant could be operational in early 2012.
The plant will feature two gas-fired generators, with surplus heat producing steam for a further generator. Any additional steam will be exported to local industries.
This combined cycle operation will require around 20% less gas per megawatt hour of electricity generated than traditional gas-fired power stations and will produce 60% less carbon emissions than coal-fired plants.
“This new plant will provide greener, reliable energy at a time when many existing power generation assets around the UK, particularly the ageing coal and nuclear fleet, are reaching the end of their operating life,” says Thor Cogeneration project manager Paul Verrill.
“It’s important that as we face the challenges of climate change we move towards more efficient energy production and this power station is an example of that,” commented Wicks.
For further information:
www.thorcogen.com/
www.berr.gov.uk