§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many CEGB power stations now under construction or design are being planned to burn oil 22W exclusively; what is their projected fuel input and electricity output; and what is the estimated additional cost of modification at this stage to coal burn or dual oil and coal burn.
§ Mr. BennExcluding gas turbine plant, three oil-fired power stations are currently under construction by the CEGB. These, with their expected total installed capacity, are:
Grain 3,300MW Ince B l,000MW Littlebrook D 2,000MW I am asking the Chairman of the CEGB to write to the hon. Member about the other points he has raised. They are important issues which will arise out of the recent discussions between the coal and electricity industries.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much North Sea gas was burned in CEGB power stations last year; what is the expected burn this year; in how many power stations gas is now being burned; and what is the estimmated cost of conversion to dual-firing.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the thermal efficiency of CEGB power stations on North Sea gas burn.
§ Mr. BennThe information is as follows:
Hams Hall C 27.47 per cent. West Thurrock 32.96 per cent. The figures relate to 1974–75 and, as the stations are dual-fired, are based on gas and coal firing.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the CEGB on the burning of North Sea gas at power stations; and if he proposes to give any directions.
§ Mr. BennI am discussing fossil fuel burn at power stations with the Chairman of the CEGB. The question is also under consideration following the joint consultations between Government and the coal and electricity industries which I have set up. I intend to widen these discussions to bring in representatives of 23W other energy industries, including the gas industry. By this process of consultation, we can hope to arrive at decisions that meet our widest national interest.