Like our scaffolding systems, Burflex Scaffolding is founded on quality, integrity and consistency. Our head office is based in Hull, we also have contact offices in Sheffield and Leeds.
A planning application has been lodged to expand West Burton Power station in Lincolnshire. The area is already known as ‘Megawatt Valley’, because there was once up to 13 electricity generating stations along the stretch of the Trent Valley, along the banks of the River Trent.
However, most of the coal-fired plants have now closed down, and West Burton A, which is also coal-fired, is due to be decommissioned next year. The gas-powered West Burton B is the subject of the early planning application, Lincolnshire Live reports. The owners are hoping to expand land adjacent to the site and install battery storage technology.
Chris Elder, CEO at West Burton Energy, said that the move would help the transition to a low carbon energy sector. He told the publication: “We believe that battery storage technology will continue to support the stability of the UK’s national grid network, providing power when renewable generation sources are unavailable.”
The new facilities, which would be known as West Burton C, should provide enough power to supply 250,000 homes in the UK. Meanwhile, plans to close down Burton A have been postponed due to the current energy crisis. Two of the station’s four 500MW units will remain in operation for a further six months beyond their original closure date.
Matt Sykes, the managing director for generation at EDF, said: “West Burton A and its loyal workforce have played a critical role providing power to the UK since the mid-1960s. In April this year, EDF was asked by Government to consider a further extension, to support energy security in light of the ongoing energy crisis.”
He added: “I want to thank employees and all those connected to West Burton A for their flexibility and commitment to helping in what are extraordinary times for the energy sector.”
Among the proposals for the long-term future of the site are plans for the UK’s first nuclear fusion plant. It is currently a shortlist of five other potential sites for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP). If successful, it is hoped that hundreds of construction jobs will be created, plus up to 10,000 permanent jobs in the energy sector.
Cllr Simon Greaves, the Labour leader of the district council, spoke in favour of the proposals.
He said: “West Burton A has played a key role in UK energy production for over half a century, making a significant contribution to both the national and local economy.
“The site is the ideal location for the STEP project and will benefit from the enhanced skills, research and supply chain capabilities across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Sheffield City region.”
Rachael Glaving, commercial director of generation at EDF UK, added: “EDF has a long and proud history of electricity production at West Burton A. EDF also a key role in developing the energy technologies that will help the UK meet its zero carbon ambitions.”
The final decision of the site location will be announced later this year, after a consultation with the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
If you are looking for scaffolding companies in Lincoln, please get in touch today.
