BP seeks a power base in Wales
15 Jan 2000
BP Chemicals is seeking bidders to build a gas-fired power station at its Baglan Bay plant. The company believes the station could help create up to 3000 permanent jobs in the area.
The motive behind the move is to secure low-cost electricity for Baglan Bay. BP will not be making any investment in the plant itself, stresses spokesman Steve Lawrence; it will sell the successful bidder the land for the station and buy the electricity it needs - only a small fraction of the proposed 1100MW output. The remainder will be sold onto the National Grid.
The jobs will come from industry attracted to the site by the power station. BP is promoting the establishment of a science park near Port Talbot, and hopes that the cheap power will help to sell the location.
