Move marks another step in the Government’s bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050

Following next year’s planned closure of the Aberthaw facility in the Vale of Glamorgan, the UK will be down to just four coal power stations.

The move marks another step in the Government’s bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050 and to phase out coal completely by 2025.

But to make up part of the electricity demand gap, plans have now been submitted which could see a 7.5MW Gas-powered standby fast response generation plant built at Parc Cybi in Holyhead.

The plans, submitted by Merseyside-based Caelus Limited, are. currently at the pre-application stage, with the applicants seeking a screening opinion for advice from Anglesey council on if an environment impact assessment is a necessity.

But if realised, the mains gas powered development would see three generator units and transformers constructed at a currently empty plot on the industrial park, monitored by on-site CCTV cameras.

According to the developers, while the UK Government is trying to replace coal powered stations with renewable sources, back-up providers are also needed due to renewables – such as solar and wind, often being dependent upon weather patters.

“Whilst reducing the proportion of electricity derived from coal-fired generation plants the UK is also withdrawing a number of their older nuclear power stations, that have reached the end of their life and require replacement,” noted the planning statement.

“This has reduced the generation capacity of the UK and the margin between supply and demand capacity to some of the lowest on record.

“The electricity suppliers are therefore very heavily constrained and have little flexibility to manage the variable nature of the generation supply and demand, because whilst the margin between generation supply and demand is reducing the modern consumer is placing ever-increasing growth on the demand for electricity.”

The planned small-scale generating facility would be used to support the main network at times of greater demand and peak periods, capable of generating up to 7.5MW but would only kick-in when a “demand” signal is received from the National Grid.

They estimate that the 2,700 square metre plant would be in operation for around 1,500 hours a year, or 62 days a year, with most spikes in demand taking place between 4:30pm and 9pm.

The planning statement goes on to note, “As there is no demand for the plant to be operated as a base load plant, the gensets will stand idle until a demand signal from the National Grid is received.

“On receipt the gensets will initiate their start-up and within approximately two minutes reach peak generation capacity of 7.5MW. The plant can be turned down and respond to multiple start-up/shut-down cycles.

“The plant will not generate any adverse significant noise or odour and will not emit any adverse environmental air pollution.

“The applicant has undertaken dispersion modelling to confirm the acceptable levels of dispersion can be attained.

“Considering the vital and important nature of this development regarding the need to tackle climate change and the impact of climate change on our environment, there is a strong supposition that the development is of significant benefit to protecting the natural, built and heritage environment.”

Its expected that Anglesey Council will respond with their findings over the coming weeks, with a full application having to be approved before any work can commence.