SSE revises plans for Abernedd power project in South Wales

SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) revised plans for two-unit combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station proposed for the Abernedd brownfield site in Baglan Bay in South Wales. Although consent was granted during February for the construction and operation of a two-unit CCGT power station of up to 870 MW, SSE has decided to reduce them to 450 MW, and intends to pursue the development of a single CCGT unit only. An investment decision on the scaled-back Abernedd project will not be taken until next year at the earliest and will depend, amongst other things, on the emerging shape of the electricity market following the UK government’s current consultation. This means that the power station, if built, will not be operational before late 2015. When SSE acquired Abernedd in May 2009, it was envisaged that a two-unit, 870 MW CCGT would be developed, with the first unit becoming operational around 2013. SSE has also suspended commercial operations at its 120 MW Fife Power Station, near Cardenden. This decision follows the decommissioning in 2009 of two open cycle gas turbines at SSE’s Peterhead Power Station.