HC Deb 24 January 2001 vol 361 c633W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will make a decision on the mini-power station at Nursling, near Southampton. [147367]

Mrs. Liddell

I have today given clearance under section 14 (1) of the Energy Act 1976 to Nursling Generating Ltd. to build a 49 MWe gas-fired power station at Nursling, near Southampton.

The developer has been exploring with interested parties the application of the heat from it for a community heating scheme supplying the Millbrook area of Southampton where it could provide heat for council housing, schools and local businesses and is committed to facilitating that.

The proposal is fully consistent with the new requirement that developers considering new power station proposals explore opportunities to use combined heat and power (CHP) and energy policy clearance has therefore been given. CHP can make a major contribution to reducing emissions as well as bringing other benefits such as increased efficiency.

Copies of the press notice and decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House.