C.GEN is seeking consent to build a 470MW power station on the south bank of the Humber Estuary, near North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire. The power station will provide enough electricity to power one million homes.
The UK’s future energy generation capacity is currently uncertain with 18GW of existing plant due to close by 2020, including a third of the country’s existing coal fired power plants, which have provided over 40% of the UK’s energy generation in the recent cold winters.
In addition to a future energy gap, demand for electricity is set to increase so building additional and cleaner generation capacity now is essential for keeping the lights on and also meeting our emissions targets. The proposed station at Killingholme will be an important part of realising these objectives.
The plant will operate either as a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) or as an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant, allowing for CCS (carbon capture and storage) capabilities. (Technology)
The power plant will contribute to the UK’s carbon emission reduction targets because, when equipped with CCS facilities, it will emit at least 80% less carbon dioxide than existing coal fired plant. In addition to electricity generation, the plant will have the capacity for providing steam and hot water to local industry and residents, known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP).
Subject to planning and financing, the target date for the start of commercial operation is 2016-2017.