New power stations
Over the next few years, a large number of the UK’s existing coal, oil and nuclear power stations are due to close as they reach the end of their operational lives, or are unable to achieve the latest environmental standards. It is estimated that the demand for electricity will continue to increase, despite efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce demand. In total, the UK is likely to need between 20-30GW of new generating capacity by 2020. As an integrated energy company, we have a big part to play in making this happen.
The UK needs a diverse mix of energy generation to reduce CO2 while maintaining affordable and secure supplies. It is essential that we are not reliant on one source. Our strategy is to move to a more environmentally sustainable mix of power stations with increasing amounts of gas and renewable energy. At the same time we believe we must deploy the full range of energy technologies; cleaner coal will play a reducing, but vital, part to keep supplies secure, reliable and affordable. New nuclear will also have a vital role to play in the future energy mix.
We’ve embarked upon a large scale building programme of new generation infrastructure and are planning new-build investments which could amount to £10 billion over the next 10 years.
New gas power stations
Our two major new gas power stations are currently under construction at Staythorpe in Nottinghamshire and Pembroke in West Wales.
We are also developing proposals for new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power stations at Willington in Derbyshire.
In addition, we are also investigating options for a CCGT power station at Tilbury in Essex.
New nuclear power stations
Building new nuclear power stations is a key part of our commitment to meet the UK's energy needs and to reduce carbon dioxide intensity.
New renewable energy
The UK has a huge amount of renewable resources, including the best wind resources in Europe. RWE npower renewables, part of RWE Innogy, is one of the UK's leading renewable energy companies.
New coal power stations
In November 2009 we announced that we would not be making applications to build new supercritical coal-fired power stations at Tilbury in Essex and Blyth in Northumberland.
