RWE npower said that Staythorpe will be the company’s lead combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) project, as it is an ideal site to deliver the new generating capacity now required by the UK and also has a gas pipeline and other infrastructure already in place.
The power station will be comprised of four generating units, each around 400MW, with the combined ability to generate enough power for almost two million homes, or the whole of Nottinghamshire.
Tim Calver, Staythorpe power station project manager, revealed: Staythorpe will be a modern highly efficient power station and will produce less than half the CO2 per unit of electricity than an existing coal station.
RWE npower received planning consent for Staythorpe in 1993 and began construction in 1998. However, construction was put on hold in 2000, as UK generators had developed enough power stations to fulfill the electricity demand at the time.
RWE npower said that it is now working closely with Newark and Sherwood district council and other regulatory bodies to address any remaining planning and technical issues and to enable the latest highly efficient technology to be included.
Engineering firm Alstom has been appointed as the main contractor. Construction is expected to start later in 2007 with the first unit operational by 2010. Around 10% of the power station scheme has already been constructed including the gas pipeline, significant foundations and perimeter roads.
RWE npower also reported that it will continue to work with stakeholders and the local authorities to secure planning permission for a CCGT at Pembroke in South Wales.
