Public's views wanted on plan for new gas power station at West Burton

EDF Energy currently owns and operates two power stations on the River Trent in the hamlet, as well as one that stretches over 620 acres nof land at Cottam, near Retford.

But now the company has unveiled proposals to create a new ‘peaking’ station that would be called West Burton C and would “help to meet the country’s future energy needs”. ‘Peaking’ stations are used to provide electricity at times of peak demand, and they play an important role when wind and solar power are not available.

The new station would generate 299 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which would be enough to power up to 300,000 homes. The plans are now touring the area in a series of public exhibitions throughout September that can be visited by local people and other interested parties who can voice their opinions.

Once the public consultation is over, EDG Energy will consider submitting a formal planning application to Bassetlaw District Council in the middle of next year. In addition, the firm is considering plans for a further small gas ‘peaking’ plant, West Burton D, which would be capable of generating up to 50MW of electricity.

Both stations would be located on EDF Energy’s land next to West Burton. The firm stresses that the two proposals are at an early stage, and the amount of money to be spent on the stations has yet to be decided.

Matt Sykes, EDF Energy’s director of coal, gas and renewable operations, said: “Nottinghamshire is an important centre of energy excellence for us in the UK. The existing coal power stations at West Burton and Cottam have a role to play, providing secure generation until lower-carbon generation is ready to take their place.

“We also have a modern, larger gas power station at West Burton and an innovative battery-storage project under construction on the site.

“They are examples of large-scale investments EDF Energy is making to meet the UK’s need for secure, low-carbon electricity, The proposed smaller stations would help to meet the country’s future energy needs.

“Public consultation is key to developing our plans, and we are looking forward to talking with local people at the exhibitions. It’s important to stress that a decision to invest in either of the new gas stations relies on securing the necessary consents and permits to demonstrate their feasibility.”

EDF Energy is the UK’s largest producer of low-carbon electricity, meeting about one-fifth of the country’s demand and also supplying millions of customers and businesses with electricity and gas.

THE first of three public-consultation exhibitions being held by EDF Energy takes place today (Thursday) at Sturton Village Hall from 2 pm to 7 pm.

The second is tomorrow (Friday) at Beckingham Village Hall from 2pm to 7 pm, and the final one is on Saturday (September 16) at Knaith Park Village Hall from 10 am to 3 pm.

Everyone with an interest in the proposals is invited to go along, inspect the plans and air their views, which EDF Energy promises to take into consideration. The company currently provides gas and electricity for more than five million customers in the UK and is the largest supplier to businesses.