§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total electricity generating capacity in Northern Ireland, giving the percentage coal-fired and the percentage oil-fired, including plant under construction or planned.
§ Mr. Giles ShawA total of 1,845 MW of electricity generating plant is currently in regular use in Northern Ireland, of which 87 per cent. is oil-fired and the remainder coal-fired.
In addition, 180 MW of older and less efficient coal-fired plant is out of commission but could be brought back into 194W use if required. Completion of the Kilroot power station will, on present plans, add a further 1,200 MW of oil-fired capacity to the system by 1984, but I am currently considering a recommendation from the Northern Ireland Electricity Service that the final two 300 MW generating sets should be converted to coal firing.