GOVERNMENT GIVES GO AHEAD FOR COMBINED HEAT AND POWER STATION

1 Mar 2001 12:00 AM

Energy Minister Peter Hain today gave consent to Dalkia Utilities Services plc to build two gas-fired combined heat and power stations at Huddersfield and Macclesfield. The proposed stations will supply the heat and electricity needs of the Zeneca Argochemicals works at Huddersfield and the AstraZeneca works at Macclesfield.

In a written answer to a Parliamentary Question from Mr Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central), Mr Hain said:

''I have today given clearance under section 14(1) of the Energy Act 1976 to Dalkia Utilities Services plc to build a 20 megawatt gas-fired combined heat and power station at the Zeneca Agrochemicals works at Huddersfield and a 13 megawatt gas-fired combined heat and power station at the AstraZeneca works at Macclesfield.

''Combined heat and power plants are designed to produce both electricity and usable heat. They have environmental benefits due to their high levels of energy efficiency.

''The decision demonstrates the Government''s continuing commitment to promote CHP, wherever practicable, and our commitment to reducing emissions of carbon to fulfil the promises we gave at Kyoto.

''Copies of the Press Notice and decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House''

Notes for Editors:

1. Proposals to construct gas-fired power stations of 10 MW and above have to be notified to the Secretary of State under Section 14 (1) of the Energy Act 1976. Section 14 empowers the Secretary of State to regulate, for reasons of energy policy, the construction of new power stations to be fuelled by natural gas or by oil.

2. Press copies of the clearance letter are available from Jonathan Prior, DTI Press Office, tel. 020 7215 5977. Public copies are available from Walter Gusmag, Energy Policy and Consents, tel. 020 7215 2727. Further information on the projects is available from Gary Mohammed 020 7215 2880.

Press Enquiries: 020 7215 5976 (Out of Hours: 020 7215 3234/3505) Public Enquiries: 020 7215 5000 General Enquiries textphone (for people with hearing impairments): 0207 215 6740 Internet address: http://www.dti.gov.uk