Plans submitted for ‘fast response’ gas power station in Porthmadog

Plans have been submitted for a new gas-powered power station to bolster the area’s energy capacity in the event of additional demand.

The plans, earmarked for a site on Ffordd Penamser, Porthmadog would see a new 5MW fast response generation plant to help fill the void left by the demise of Britain’s coal-fired power stations.

Plans for similar unmanned plants have been submitted for sites in Holyhead and Caernarfon over recent months, with the latter approved by Gwynedd Council’s planning department last October.

According to Conrad Energy (Developments) Limited, which has submitted these new proposals next door to Gelert House – the home of Babi Pur –  the station would fill the gap when needed due to the demise of coal-powered stations and a recent reduction in dependence on nuclear.
Enough to meet the needs of around 7,500 average households at peak generation, the fuel would be supplied by underground pipe via the national gas main system, meaning there would be no deliveries needed.

The developers went on to outline that it would be used to support the main network at times of greater demand and peak periods, but would only kick in when a “demand” signal is received from the National Grid, creating possibly two full-time jobs in the process.

The planning statement notes, “The plant is operated remotely but will create employment estimated to be up to 2 full-time- equivalent employees.
“The development will also underpin local employment through the establishment of a local supply chain for a number of the required operational services. An additional 5 FTE roles could be considered as secured as a result of this development.

“Further opportunities for local employment will be created through 3rd party contracts, engaging with local companies providing the necessary services.”
“The development is also directly supporting the security of efficient, cheaper electricity that further assist the local economy and businesses. Secure electricity supply is necessary to meet the modern living requirements and to operate and grow any business efficiently.
“During the construction period it is expected that a peak of 20 site personnel will be employed on-site, several of these contractors will be from local companies based in the north-west Wales and the isle of Anglesey.”

While the UK Government is trying to replace coal powered stations with renewable sources, the developers argue that back-up providers are also needed due to renewables like solar and wind often being dependent upon weather patterns. 

Marking another step in the Government’s bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 and to phase out coal completely by 2025, the UK now has  just four coal-powered stations following the closure of Aberthaw in the Vale of Glamorgan – the last such facility in Wales.

 It’s expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will make a decision over the coming weeks.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter