Iberdrola-owned UK utility ScottishPower is planning to convert its Longannet and Cockenzie power plants in Scotland to clean coal technology. The utility hopes that this would reduce the plants' carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.
The development project, which regards the utility’s two largest power plants, would be the biggest of its kind in Europe, ScottishPower said. The company will undertake a feasibility study to assess the plans before development begins.
ScottishPower named construction companies Alstom Power and Doosan Babcock as the players that will the design input for the ‘supercritical’ turbines and boilers that could be fitted at the Longannet and Cockenzie power plants.
This equipment will burn coal at ultra-high temperatures and pressure, and may be built within the existing power station buildings in Fife and East Lothian, the utility said. If the proposal proceeds, construction could start in 2009 with operations beginning in 2012.
ScottishPower said that the development could further extend the lives of both plants, which have a total generation capacity of 3,390MW, more than a quarter of Scotland’s electricity needs. The development would provide Scotland with low-carbon base-load electricity for the foreseeable future.
The phased 19-month development would involve large-scale investments by the utility. ScottishPower foresees both stations continuing to operate at a reduced capacity while the new facility is constructed.
Iberdrola chairman and chief executive Ignacio Galan said: We are delighted that today’s announcement puts ScottishPower on track to deliver a revolutionary change in low-carbon energy generation in Scotland.
ScottishPower added that the stations will also be designed to incorporate carbon capture technology currently being developed at the company’s Longannet plant.