Consultation update on proposed new gas-fired power...
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To meet the UK’s energy needs, gas will play an increasingly important role in the UK electricity generation mix, providing vital flexibility to support the increasing amount of renewable energy generation from onshore and offshore wind farms, reducing our reliance on coal and delivering climate change targets. Power produced from natural gas contributes to the objective of reducing CO2 emissions, as generating electricity from gas is more efficient than other fossil fuels such as coal, resulting in significantly lower CO2 emissions per MW from gas-fired power stations compared to coalfired power stations. The site for Seabank 3 is ideally located as although the power station has the potential of being able to operate independently of Seabank 1 & 2, it can still realise the opportunity of making use of shared services such as access roads, cooling water, gas supply and grid connection. The development of Seabank 3 would provide a significant contribution towards improving energy security in the UK and, subject to consenting and investment, construction could begin in 2016 and the power station could be operational by 2019. Location Close to the existing Seabank Power Station. Approximately 5 kilometres (5km) north-east of Avonmouth and 10km from Bristol in Crooks Marsh, Severnside Capacity up to 1,400 megawatts Amount of up to three million* homes powered * based on the industry average annual household energy consumption of 3,300 kilowatt hours of electricity Seabank 3 Consultation News Consultation update on proposed new gas-fired power station www.sse.com/seabank3 Issue 2 January 2014 This newsletter aims to update you on the consultation process for SSE’s proposals to develop a gas fired power station on a site at Severnside, near Bristol. The proposed power station is to be called Seabank 3 and would be located close to the existing Seabank Power Station (Seabank 1 & 2). Following our stage one consultation (June - July 13) we have been engaging with South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council and reviewing the comments we received. For more information on our consultation strategy and process you can find our Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC) and a report detailing our first stage of consultation on our project website: www.sse.com/seabank3. Please note that our proposals are not linked to Scottish Power’s proposed Avon Power Station that was consulted on in Summer 2011. Key points: Why Seabank 3 and why this site? SSE (formerly Scottish and Southern Energy) is one of the UK’s leading energy companies and the largest non-nuclear electricity generator, operating a diverse energy portfolio across the UK and Ireland. The current power station at Seabank (Seabank 1 & 2) is operated by Seabank Power Ltd (SPL) of which SSE is a 50% stakeholder. About us Proposed Seabank 3 Power Station site and existing Seabank 1 & 2 Power Station
Transcript of Consultation update on proposed new gas-fired power...
To meet the UK’s energy needs, gas will play an increasingly important role in the UK electricity generation mix, providing vital flexibility to support the increasing amount of renewable energy generation from onshore and offshore wind farms, reducing our reliance on coal and delivering climate change targets.Power produced from natural gas contributes to the objective of reducing CO2 emissions, as generating electricity from gas is more efficient than other fossil fuels such as coal, resulting in significantly lower CO2 emissions per MW from gas-fired power stations compared to coalfired power stations.
The site for Seabank 3 is ideally located as although the power station has the potential of being able to operate independently of Seabank 1 & 2, it can still realise the opportunity of making use of shared services such as access roads, cooling water, gas supply and grid connection.
The development of Seabank 3 would provide a significant contribution towards improving energy security in the UK and, subject to consenting and investment, construction could begin in 2016 and the power station could be operational by 2019.
Location ClosetotheexistingSeabankPowerStation.Approximately5kilometres(5km)north-eastofAvonmouthand10kmfromBristolinCrooksMarsh,Severnside
Capacity upto1,400megawatts
Amountof uptothreemillion*homespowered
*basedontheindustryaverageannualhouseholdenergyconsumptionof3,300kilowatthoursofelectricity
Seabank 3 Consultation News
Consultation update on proposed new gas-fired power station
www.sse.com/seabank3
Issue 2 January 2014
This newsletter aims to update you on the consultation process for SSE’s proposals to develop a gas fired power station on a site at Severnside, near Bristol. The proposed power station is to be called Seabank 3 and would be located close to the existing Seabank Power Station (Seabank 1 & 2).
Following our stage one consultation (June - July 13) we have been engaging with South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council and reviewing the comments we received. For more information on our consultation strategy and process you can find our Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC) and a report detailing our first stage of consultation on our project website: www.sse.com/seabank3.
Please note that our proposals are not linked to Scottish Power’s proposed Avon Power Station that was consulted on in Summer 2011.
Key points:
Why Seabank 3 and why this site?
SSE (formerly Scottish and Southern Energy) is one of the UK’s leading energy companies and the largest non-nuclear electricity generator, operating a diverse energy portfolio across the UK and Ireland. The current power station at Seabank (Seabank 1 & 2) is operated by Seabank Power Ltd (SPL) of which SSE is a 50% stakeholder.
About us
Proposed Seabank 3 Power Station site and existing Seabank 1 & 2 Power Station
Seabank 3 - Proposed site boundary and connections
www.sse.com/seabank3
Stage one consultation began on 17 June 2013 and closed on 22 July 2013. We would like to update you on the process that we carried out and the feedback received.
Feedback Matters Stage One consultation for the project was conducted using a
number of methods to allow stakeholders an opportunity to provide their feedback.
• Our first newsletter was sent to over 10,000 local households and other stakeholders
• Local public information events in Easter Compton, Severn Beach and Avonmouth
• Direct email address, postal address and freephone number available to send feedback
• Project website updated with information
Around 50 people attended the consultation events with others choosing to get in touch with us using other methods. This valuable feedback is now under review by the project team with the aim of feeding into the design process where possible.
Stage One Consultation Feedback
It was great to be able to meet local residents and stakeholders at the
consultation events. The sessions provided an opportunity for individuals to speak face to face with members of the project team and for SSE to gain invaluable feedback on Seabank 3.
Andrew Scott Project Manager
As part of the application process for the Seabank 3 project, SSE issued a Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) This document set out how SSE planned to engage and consult with its stakeholders. Included in the SoCC was information about the possible introduction of a Community Liaison Group. SSE is now keen to establish this group to ensure open communications as the project progresses.
The aim of a liaison group would be to encourage discussion between interested parties of issues relating to the consenting, constructing and operation of the Seabank 3 Power Station. The Community Liaison Group, which would comprise interested parties, will be able to raise issues directly with SSE/ Seabank 3 Project Team.
At this stage it is anticipated that the CLG will be made up of local political representatives. There may also be an opportunity to include Community Representatives on the panel, if this is something you might be interested in please contact the project team to discuss on
0800 5875552 or email [email protected]
Community Liaison Group (CLG)
Traffic and road network capacityThe possible impact of transport was a common issue raised by local people. SSE will complete a study to assess any possible impact that the Seabank 3 Power Station may have on the local road network. Using this information, SSE will work together with Highways Agency, South Gloucestershire Council and Bristol City Council Highway Authorities to agree a Traffic Management Plan which will aim to minimise and where possible, avoid traffic passing through residential areas.
WildlifeComments were made about how the project may impact on existing wildlife in the area. SSE is currently undertaking ecological surveys and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA). Results from these investigations will feed into our proposal and further details will be presented during our stage two consultation in Spring 2014.
Air QualityA number of consultees questioned possible impacts to air quality in connection with the project. A detailed air quality assessment is currently being carried out and the findings will be reviewed by the Environment Agency as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Details of this assessment will be made available at stage two consultation.
You might be interested to know that modern gas fired power stations are the cleanest and most efficient fossil fuel power station plants available. They produce only half the amount of carbon dioxide (C02) of an equivalent sized coal fired power station.
Visual impactsThe Seabank project team were able to gain some really useful feedback regarding visual impacts and landscaping for the project during the stage one consultation period. A number of viewpoints towards the facility were noted as being important, including views from Avonmouth, Severn Beach and the M49.
SSE will endeavour where possible to take these comments into consideration throughout the design process.
LandscapingSuggestions were made for the species of planting that could be used around the Seabank 3 Power Station. These included: Sycamore, Elm, Oak, Ash, Evergreen varieties.
The project team will take these suggestions into account where possible throughout the final design phase for the facility as well as considering issues of landscape character, wildlife and habitat issues.
Flooding impacts and managing extreme weatherDiscussions took place with local residents regarding their concerns over potential flooding and the ability to manage extreme weather conditions. A detailed flood risk assessment is being carried out as part of the EIA process and will be available to view at our second stage consultation.
Hazard RiskSafety is always at the top of the SSE agenda for all of its operational sites and staff. Managing any potential hazard risk relating to the Seabank 3 Power Station is something that SSE will take seriously and will be assessed as an integral part of the EIA process.
Provision for recreational users in the areaProvision for recreational users in the vicinity of the site was raised. Suggestions were made for cycle paths, footpaths and picnic facilities to be provided. SSE will explore the need for and the provision of these facilities and further details will be presented during our stage two consultation in Spring 2014.
Potential to use waste heatAlthough the power station is being designed to be highly efficient, a number of consultees suggested there may be further opportunity to utilise waste heat off-site, known as Combined Heat and Power (CHP). As part of our assessment we will produce a report that sets out what CHP potential we believe will be feasible from the project. SSE is also considering opportunities for additional on-site renewable energy generation as part of the proposed development, and further details will be presented during stage two of consultation in Spring 2014.
Feedback - Key topics raised included:
The proposed Seabank 3 Power Station project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. This means that SSE requires a Development Consent Order under the Planning Act 2008 to allow construction to take place.
The DCO application for the project is expected to be submitted during Summer of 2014. If accepted, the full application will be available to download from the Planning Inspectorate’s website and to view at local libraries. The Planning Inspectorate has 28 days to validate and accept the application, following which SSE anticipates a period of up to 15 months for the examination and
determination of the consent.
Stage Two of pre-application consultation for the project is expected to take place during Spring 2014.
There will be further opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to attend public consultation events to find out more about the proposal, review the Preliminary Environmental Information and to input their comments.
Further information on these events will be advertised to all relevant residences within the consultation area and also on the project website. The website also hosts further information about the project, should you wish to find out more please visit www.sse.com/seabank3
Website www.sse.com/seabank3
Email [email protected]
Phone 0800 5875552
Post Seabank 3 Consultation FREEPOST NEA8726 Newdawn House, Zarya Court, Grovehill Road BEVERLEY HU17 0BR
The application process - next steps
What’s next for the Seabank 3 Project?
Process timeline
Contact us
We Are Here
Pre ApplicationStage OneConsultation
Pre ApplicationStage TwoConsultation
Submission ofour DCOapplication
Examination and Recommendation
Decision
17th June - 22nd July 2013
Spring 2014 Expected Summer 2014
Expected 2014/2015
Planning Inspectorate’s consultationExamination processRecommendation
Expected 2015
Made by the Secretary ofState within 3 months ofthe recommendation
Seabank 1 & 2 Power Station
