22 December 2005
KILROOT POWER STATION
Kilroot Power Station has been granted consent to install new Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment, subject to explicit conditions in relation to the development of renewable energy capabilities at the power station and a commitment to return to the negotiating table with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) to find a way forward on the long running contract dispute.
The conditions are significant given the importance of delivering the development objectives laid out in the Government's Strategic Energy Framework.
Kilroot is a coal firing power station, and made the application to enable it to meet its obligations to reduce its sulphur dioxide emissions from January 2008 onwards, under the EU Large Combustion Plant Directive. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) is required to assess the application under the terms of the Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.
A spokesperson for the Department said: "The fitting of FGD technology at Kilroot was foreseen under the terms of the contract agreed between Northern Ireland Electricity and Kilroot at the time of privatisation in 1992.
"However, in light of the growing evidence of the environmental impact of climate change, the Department has stressed that the company should only proceed with the installation if it places a focus on developing and introducing renewable technologies at the power station alongside FGD. The company has agreed to assess the feasibility of maximising the proportion of renewable biomass fuel used by the generating station.
"Following consideration of stakeholder representation, and of developments in the gas markets, and in light of the legal obligations open to it, the Department has decided that the installation of FGD may proceed.
"Government recognises the importance of diversity of fuel supply, in particular the increasing opportunities represented by the development and use of renewable forms of energy. The Environment and Renewable Energy Fund, announced recently by the Secretary of State, will provide £50 million for both research and development and capital investment in renewables. This will enhance the security and diversity of our energy supply and minimise the overall environmental impacts of energy generation."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is required by Article 39 of the Electricity (NI) Order 1992 to consent to the construction, extension or operation of a generating station whose capacity exceeds 10 megawatts.
2. The criteria published by the Department in accordance with Article 6(2) of the EU Electricity Directive 2003/54/EC require it, before granting consent under Article 39 for the construction or extension of a generating station, to be satisfied that the proposal meets a number of requirements.
3. The published criteria may be viewed at www.detini.gov.uk/energy.gov.uk.
4. Media enquiries to Anne Martin, DETI Press Office, tel 028 9052 9353 /07510 521075.
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