Power station plans in pipeline (From York Press)

Selby gas scheme goes to public consultation

10:18am Tuesday 15th May 2012 in News By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk

PLANS to build a new power station, with a gas pipeline running through the Selby district, have been released for public consultation.

The scheme, which will use natural gas to create enough electricity for up to two million homes, will create up to 1,100 jobs during onstruction, and 50 permanent skilled jobs once it is operational.

Knottingley Power has begun consultation with communities, including Eggborough and Kellington, about plans to build and operate the new station in Knottingley, close to Kellingley, which will include a new natural gas pipeline passing through the Selby District Council and North Yorkshire County Council areas.

Peter Emery, production director at Drax power station, said the gas-fuelled plant at Knottingley was good for the consumer, and there was room in the market for different energy sources. Mr Emery, pictured, said Drax had not ruled out building its own gas plant, but said its focus was in increasing the efficiency of its existing plant and driving biomass.

He said: “Gas prices are very high, and coal produces the most efficient power.

“Our strategy is clear – to maximise the efficiency and drive biomass to reduce emissions and in the long term to look at carbon capture and storage. Drax is well- positioned to do this. We have got the latest technology and are the biggest renewable generator in the UK.”

The consultation period on the Knottingley power station runs between Thursday and June 28, before amendments and design changes are made ahead of a second consultation stage later this year.

If the development goes ahead, Knottingley Power plans to start building in 2015, and be operational by 2018.

More information on the plans is available at knottingleypower.co.uk and is also available to view at Access Selby, in Market Cross.