The Environment: Clean Coal

We believe that coal will remain an important element of the UK's electricity generation mix for the foreseeable future. With 35% of the UK’s electricity generated by coal-fired power stations (Digest of UK Energy Statistics, DTI, 2004) and no immediate large-scale alternative, the challenge is to make coal-fired power stations as clean as possible.

We are investing £230 million in improving air quality with the introduction of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant at our coal-fired power stations. The FGD plants pass the chimney gases through a spray of water and limestone, producing gypsum for use in the building industry. This process removes over 90% of acid rain-causing sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from power station emissions. With a range of new legislation (including the Large Combustion Plants Directive) influencing the commercial viability of coal-fired power stations, the FGD initiative also secures a long-term future for our generating assets.

Additionally, the installation of FGD gives EDF Energy the option to burn British-sourced coal, which generally has a higher sulphur content compared with imported coals. Imported lower sulphur coals are being used in units where the FGD is not yet commissioned to ensure we comply with the local Air Quality Standards (AQS).

The FGD plant at West Burton power station is now fully commissioned and two of the four Cottam units will come on line during 2005, with the remaining two units commencing commissioning in 2006 and 2007. Over the last year we have already seen a significant reduction in SO₂ emissions and this trend is likely to continue in 2005.