Why we propose it
In the past, Pembroke Power Station played an important role in energy generation in Wales. With many power stations set to close over the next 10 to 15 years, the UK requires about 35 GW of new power generation by 2020. A new highly efficient gas power station in Pembroke could play a vital role in energy supplies in the future.
European Legislation (Large Combustion Plant Directive - LPCD) means that a large number of existing coal power stations are due to close by 2015. In addition, ageing nuclear stations will close in the years leading up to 2020 as they reach the end of their operational lives. Despite efforts to improve efficiency, demand for electricity is expected to increase in coming years. If power plans are not replaced then the UK could face a major shortfall in electricity supply.
In the immediate term, gas fired plants are the preferred option for providing new capacity. Generating electricity from gas is more efficient than other fossil fuels and gas also contains less carbon than coal. These two factors result in gas fired generation emitting around half the CO2 emissions when compared to electricity generated from coal.
A new state-of-the-art power station at our Pembroke site would make a significant contribution to ongoing energy supply while helping to cut CO2 emissions. The new power station would have a total generating capacity of around 2000 megawatts and would produce enough energy for around three million homes.
At the same time as developing new efficient power stations, RWE npower continues to invest heavily in renewable generation. As one of the largest developers and operators of renewables, npower believes it can meet current Welsh assembly government targets of supplying 7TWH of electricty from renewable sources by 2020 and UK government targets of 20% by 2020.
The nation needs a diverse mix of electricity generation including gas and 'cleaner' coal, which reduces dependency on a single fuel type and helps to maintain a secure, sustainable and affordable electricity supply for the future.