Power Stations

HC Deb 09 July 1979 vol 970 cc66-7W

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many nuclear, oil-fired and coal-fired power stations in Scotland were out of commission during February on account of malfunction, re-fuelling, overhaul or for other reasons;

1. (2) what was the average balance of load as between oil-fired, coal-fired and nuclear power stations in Scotland during February;
2. (3) if he will list in the Official Report the advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear power stations in Scotland currently in service, the date on which each began to supply electricity to the grid and the number of months since that date on which each has been out of action owing to malfunction, accident, refuelling, over-haul or for other reasons.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The information requested relates to matters within the statutory responsibilities of the Scottish electricity boards. I am therefore asking the chairmen of the boards to write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current excess electricity generating capacity in Scotland above simultaneous maximum demand as experienced in the past 12 months, and what additional capacity will come on stream by 1986 as power stations under construction are completed and commissioned, assuming that no existing stations are phased out before that year.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The rated capacity of generating plant in commission on the inter-connected system in Scotland is at present 9,585MW. Some 2,300MW of that plant has been commissioned within the last three years, not all of which has yet been worked up to full commercial availability. The simultaneous maximum demand last winter was 6,149MW and a margin of at least 25 per cent. is required to provide for breakdowns, errors in long-term estimates of load demand and the effects of extremely cold weather on peak demand. Additional capacity under construction at Inverkip and Peterhead amounting to some 1,900MW will be on stream by 1986, but 234MW of capacity at Braehead power station will be retired before that date.