RWE npower
Frequently asked questions
Why have you submitted a new Environmental Statement?
Although we submitted an ES with our original planning application in 2005, we have since carried out further detailed consultation and environmental surveys making it necessary to update our statement and consolidate the new information with that of the original ES.
What is the status of the planning process?
The planning process at Pembroke is ongoing and we continue to work closely with the consenting authorities and the statutory consultees. We have just submitted an updated ES and hope to have a planning decision by the end of the year.
Will you be building a link to the LNG system?
No liquefied gas will be supplied directly to the power station site. A new natural gas pipeline would be built between the gas infrastructure on the northern bank of the Haven and the Pembroke Power Station site. The gas pipeline is subject to a separate planning application that was submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council in final form in June 2006.
Will the power station be an obvious terrorist target?
We work closely with the security services to ensure our security provisions are adequate. There is no reason why Pembroke will be a specific target.
Why do we need a new power station at Pembroke?
The UK needs around 25GW of new generating capacity in the next decade. To deliver capacity at this scale, new gas fired power stations are required.
What will the benefit be to the local community?
RWE npower makes a long-term commitment to all its power station sites, and the new power station will provide a significant benefit in terms of long-term employment as well as a significant contribution to the local economy.
There will be a positive impact on the local economy through requirements for ancillary services such as security, catering, maintenance contractors and support workers and indirect benefit from an improved job market.
npower are committed to education and community investment projects in areas in which they work. We have a major education programme and also offers an excellent Apprenticeship Programme and Community Involvement Programme.
In addition to this, npower is firmly committed to the environment and at existing power stations we have set up Energy and Environment Centres. This centre is used as a resource for schools, researchers and other interest groups to explore the surrounding habitat and learn more about the power station itself. We will put all these schemes in place at Pembroke.
Won’t the power station be an eyesore and pollute the local environment?
A modern gas fired power station is a compact and clean industrial facility. We are working with Pembrokeshire County Council to minimise the visual impact and every effort will be taken to limit any negative impact on the local communities. We will require a permit from the Environment Agency (a Pollution Prevention and Control of ‘PPC permit’) under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) regulations 2000. Our modelling shows that air quality in the region of the power station will be above all UK standards.