Kent locations earmarked for nuclear power plant

Two locations in Kent have emerged as potential sites for the construction of nuclear energy plants by E.ON, the energy giant from Germany.

E.ON is contemplating using its existing electricity generation plants as potential locations for construction of nuclear power plants. These include the Isle of Grain location where E.ON operates a power plant that is oil-fired and at Kingsnorth where it operates a power plant that is coal-fired.

The German energy utility disclosed in April that it was interested in constructing 2 new nuclear power plants in Britain by deploying technology from France specifically Areva. E.ON also revealed that it would rather construct new nuclear power stations on active nuclear power plant locations that are in the hands of British Energy or the State. The reasoning behind this is that most of these locations are not likely to have opposition from the neighbouring communities and therefore the process will be done smoothly and without delay. But just in case that turns out not to be the case, E.ON will use its already existing locations at Kingsnorth and at the Isle of Grain and Kingsnorth as Plan Bs. The two stations at Kingsnorth and at the Isle of Grain are to be decommissioned by the year 2015 in line with the Large Combustion Plant Directive of the European Union which imposes severe emission restrictions.

Already there are intentions by E.ON to construct a new, gas-fired power station at the Isle of Grain and a coal-fired station at Kingsnorth, though approval for the station has not been given by the state. There has been massive objection to the coal plant at Kingsnorth. If it goes ahead it will be the first coal-fired power plant to be developed in the United Kingdom in over two decades.

www.eon-uk.com