§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the total estimated cost of removing 60 per cent. of sulphur dioxide from coal-burning power station emissions; and what is the current level of spending on the programme.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe CEGB is evaluating the implications of meeting a reduction of 60 per cent. in emissions from its existing plant as required by the EC large combustion plant directive. Preliminary estimates suggest that the equivalent of an extra 6GW of plant, in addition to the existing 6GW voluntary retrofit programme, might need to be fitted with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment. The board is currently assessing tenders for the FGD equipment to be fitted to Drax, which will be the first station to be fitted under the existing programme. At present price levels the full programme could involve a capital cost of £1.6 billion and could also lead to additional operating costs.