Staythorpe FAQs

Why do we need a new power station at Staythorpe?

The UK is likely to need 15-25GW of new generating capacity in the next decade. To deliver capacity at this scale, new gas-fired power stations are required. The Staythorpe site has established gas connections and electrical infrastructure, making it an ideal site for delivering new capacity in the timeframe needed to ensure security of supply.

When will the power station be operational?

We anticipate that Staythorpe Power Station will be fully operational by late 2010.

What will the benefit be to the local community?

RWE npower makes a long-term commitment to all its power station sites, and a new power station at Staythorpe will provide a significant benefit in terms of long-term employment as well as a significant contribution to the local economy.

There will be a positive impact on the local economy through requirements for ancillary services such as security, catering, maintenance contractors and support workers and indirect benefit from an improved job market.

RWE npower is committed to education and community investment projects in the areas in which it works. We run a series of educational programmes and also offer an excellent Apprenticeship Programme and opportunities for community involvement.

Won’t the power station be an eyesore and pollute the local environment?

Modern gas-fired power stations are compact and clean industrial facilities. We are working with Newark and Sherwood District Council to minimise the visual impact of the station and every effort will be taken to limit any negative impact on the local communities. We will require a permit from the Environment Agency (a Pollution Prevention and Control of ‘PPC permit’) under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) regulations 2000 to operate the station.

Our modelling shows that air quality in the region of the power station will be above all UK standards.

Will the power station be an obvious terrorist target?

We work closely with the security services to ensure our security provisions are robust. There is no reason why a new station at Staythorpe would be a specific target.