EC to investigate Pembroke power plant approval

London – The European Commission has launched an investigation into the UK Government’s approval of RWE npower’s recently opened power plant in Pembroke, Wales.

The combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station in Pembroke is one of Europe’s largest, capable of generating up to 2,000MW of electricity. It is also said to be one of Europe’s most efficient plants of its kind, producing less than half the CO2 emissions of a similar sized coal-fired power station.

The station represents a £1-billion investment in the region, and has created around 100 long term, permanent jobs in addition to several hundred temporary construction jobs over the past three years.

However, according to a complaint brought by Friends of the Earth (FoE), the station’s cooling system will waste energy by dumping heat into the highly protected Milford Haven waterway, killing millions of fish and other marine species every year. The energy wasted, it claimed, is equivalent to 40% of Wales’ electricity demand.

“We have pointed out that the UK Government acted unlawfully in allowing this technology to be used in Wales, which is considered substandard in the USA and England,” said Gareth Clubb, director of FoE Cymru.

“Industry can exist alongside Pembrokeshire’s magnificent wildlife and the tourism it supports, and jobs can be created without this devastating cost to our environment. But we must use the best technology and the highest standards to make sure this coastline is given the protection it deserves,” Clubb added.

Speaking at last month’s official opening, UK energy minister John Hayes MP, said: “The opening of Pembroke Power Station is great news for our energy security.

“Every new power station built is a real strategic asset for our economy. This billion-pound investment will play a vital role in our energy mix, providing a flexible, reliable energy supply for homes and businesses across the country.”