HC Deb 10 November 1975 vol 899 cc900-1
4. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects his Department to complete its study on the utilisation of waste heat in power stations.

Mr. Eadie

The utilisation of waste heat from power stations is one of the subjects being considered by a group under the chairmanship of my Chief Scientist, Dr. Marshall. The group's report is not expected for several months.

Mr. Rost

Have any discussions taken place between the Under-Secretary's Department and the CEGB on the question whether any of the 48 older power stations which are in town centres and which are due to be closed would be suitable for conversion to sell waste heat as well as electricity? Clearly, that would consume the fuel more efficiently than even in the most modern power stations today.

Mr. Eadie

The Department of Energy is seized of the point of trying to get better thermal efficiency from power stations. Hence the reason for the reply that I gave to the hon. Member's Question. These power stations are, of course, old and unsuitable for conversion, because they are nearing the end of their lives. However, there is always the possibility of redeveloping the station sites for the new combined heat and power plants, and the electricity supply industry is actively considering this possibility. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will accept the answer in the spirit in which it is given.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Does my hon. Friend accept that it is a great condemnation of both sides of the House that, within a mile of these premises, a very large block of flats has been heated for 40 years by the waste heat from Battersea power station? Does he realise that this sort of utilisation could apply to a substantial number of coal-fired power stations today, and would prolong their lives and provide greater economic advantage to the country?

Mr. Eadie

In the right circumstances, the combined production of heat and power can lead to substantial energy savings. Indeed, there are many good examples of this in industry, as my hon. Friend has suggested. However, the Government believe that schemes for combined heat and power should be economically viable. That is why we have the working party examining this proposition, and it will no doubt report to the House in due course.