§ 5. Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many flue gas desulphurisation units are being fitted to coal-fired power stations.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Michael Spicer)The CEGB has announced plans to retrofit FGD equipment to the six generating units at Drax power station and four generating units at Fiddler's Ferry. In addition, FGD equipment will be fitted to the generating units of all new coal-fired power stations.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThis equipment is essential to prevent acid rain, but is my hon. Friend aware that each unit consumes 300,000 tonnes of limestone a year? This has to be quarried at places such as the Mendip Hills in my constituency. Will my hon. Friend take this environmental damage into account in deciding which type of power station to order in future?
§ Mr. SpicerI can give my hon. Friend a number of assurances. First, there is no question of the Mendip Hills being used for the extraction of limestone for this purpose. Nor is there any question of national parks being used. I understand that less than 0.3 per cent. of the limestone that is nationally produced is used for each power station.
§ Sir Trevor SkeetWill my hon. Friend give me advice on the cost of removal of sulphur dioxide and NOx from a 2,000 MW power station? Obviously this will increase the cost considerably.
§ Mr. SpicerThe best available figure for a 2,000 MW power station is £200 million.