Scottish Power Leads Consortium For Government Competition

Scottish Power is joined by Shell and National Grid to enter a joint venture in a Government hosted competition to develop a carbon capture and storage (CSS) energy facility. The companies joined a group headed by Scottish Power to work at the Longannet power station to develop the technology. The power station, located in Scotland, will house the developed CSS, the first for the UK, and is expected to be completed by 2014.

Scottish Power and the affiliated companies will be in competition with RWE and E.ON in the competition announced by the UK Government in 2007. BP was also participating, but had to drop out of competing late last year. The plant must be a fully functioning demonstration plant to be in operation by 2014 in order to be eligible for consideration in the competition.

The carbon capture and storage facility will be capable of removing greenhouse gases created by burning coal and naturally incorporating them back into the earth. The technology will help to lower coal-fired powers damaging effects on climate change.

ScottishPower Chief Executive, Nick Horler said,“I am delighted to welcome Shell and National Grid to the team. Both of these companies will bring specialist knowledge, expertise and opportunities for growth in the development of this cutting edge technology. For the consortium the two new companies represent a ‘perfect fit’ as it strives to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% from its power plant at Longannet in Scotland.”

Scottish Power has already run a prototype test unit on site at the power plant. Additionally environmental group WWF believes the group has the potential to win the competition. WWF stated in a report that Longannet power station is the keenest option right now for the UK’s CCS trial.

Thanks to clickgreen.org.uk for the above quote, for more information on this story please visit their website.