What is a CCGT power plant?
Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power generation is currently the most energy efficient and clean method of fossil fuel power generation. The plant uses natural gas to generate electricity and as part of this process the waste heat that is produced is also used to generate electricity, making a CCGT plant highly cost effective and efficient. See also CCGT Technology.
Why choose Marchwood as a site for a CCGT power plant?
The “brownfield” site at Marchwood is highly suitable as a location for a new power station as it has already been used for power generation. It is designated for power station use on the local development plan and has excellent access to energy infrastructure. Additionally, there is a shortage of power generation capability on the south coast of England and the building of a new power station will bring electricity to where it is needed. See also Location.
How do we contact Marchwood Power?
Email us at info@marchwoodpower.com, call us on 02380 527999 or write to us a Oceanic Way, Marchwood Industrial Park, Marchwood SO40 4BD
Will there be any economic benefit to the area?
Nearly 1000 people were employed during construction of the station, with a number of local firms involved in different aspects of the project. Between 45-50 people are permanently employed by Marchwood Power, most of whom have been recruited from the local area. Wherever possible, Marchwood Power is using local firms to support the day-to-day operation of the plant.
In addition, the building of additional power generation capacity has enhanced the region's security of supply.
How much will it cost to build the power station?
£380m.
When did the power station enter commercial operational?
After a period of commissioning and comprehensive testing, the station entered commercial operation on December 10th 2009.
How much electricity will the plant generate?
The plant has the capability to generate 842MW of electricity, sufficient to provide the energy needs for 1 million homes, or the equivalent to the combined energy needs of Southampton, the New Forest and Winchester.
What fuel is being used?
Natural gas.
Are there be any smells from the plant when it is operational?
No. Natural gas is a clean burning fuel, compared to other fossil fuels such as coal or oil.
Will there be much noise from the plant when it is operational?
The station’s Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Permit (IPPC), issued by the Environment Agency, limits the noise impact allowed by the station. However, any noise produced by the plant’s turbines should be almost imperceptible at the site boundary.
Were New Forest District Council or Marchwood Parish Council consulted during the planning process and construction phase?
Yes they were along with other statutory bodies such as Hampshire County Council, English Nature and the Environment Agency, and we liaised with both during the construction phase.
Were members of the local community given the opportunity to express their views during the planning process?
The project was first proposed in 2001 and public exhibitions were held in October 2001 and July 2002. Since then, members of the development team have worked closely with the Marchwood Power Station Working Group, made up of representatives of the parish, district and county councils to ensure that the wider community are kept informed. There have been reports in the local press on a number of occasions, the Marchwood Village Newsletter has carried regular reports and in December 2006 another exhibition was held in the Village Hall. The Working Group continues to exist and meets the power station team on a regular basis.
When did the main construction start?
Preparatory work on the site started in November 2006 and the main construction work started in January 2007. The main excavation and foundations work for the power station started in July 2007 and the erection of the main buildings started in November 2007.
When will the gas pipeline work be completed?
The main work started in January 2007 and has now been completed, with the land, fences and hedgerows being reinstated over a period of time, letting nature take its course.
What measures will be in place to minimise the environmental impact of the plant?
The plant is using the very latest technology so is one of the most efficient and cleanest conventional power stations in the UK. In addition, a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme, covering air, marine and noise pollution is in place and will be enforced. For example, the water coming into and out of the plant from the River Test is monitored and reported on to the Environment Agency to ensure that fish and other aquatic life are safeguarded.
How secure and safe is the plant?
Strict HSE heath and safety regulations are enforced to minimise the potential of accidents at work. In addition, entry and exit to the site is strictly controlled. A commitment to health and safety is an integral part of Marchwood Power's shareholders, ESB International and Scottish & Southern Energy.
Will Marchwood will be able to benefit from the discharge of waste heat from the station for local heating?
The plant is state-of-the-art with an energy conversion efficiency of 58%. The steam cycle dictates that waste heat is only available at about 40 degrees Centigrade, too low to be useful for local heating. The temperature of the cooling water passed through the plant is raised by a small amount but it is negligible in the context of the volume of water in the estuary.
Why is water from the Test Estuary to be used for cooling?
Direct cooling using sea or river water is optimum from the point of view of efficiency, and is therefore preferable from an overall environmental perspective. One of the reasons for the selection of the site at Marchwood was the existence of the cooling water intake and outfall from the original station, which have been refurbished and reused.
How is Marchwood Power supporting the local community?
Marchwood Power is providing appropriate support to the Marchwood area (in-kind and financial) with a particular focus towards energy, the environment and education. One example, the company part funded a position at Marchwood Parish Council to facilitate the development of the Parish Plan. We have also supported the installation of solar panels at local schools and colleges. (see Local Community Section).
There is also the economic contribution that Marchwood Power is providing to the area; for example, local people are working for the company, and local firms have won construction contracts.