Centrica shelves plans to develop biomass power stations

Centrica Energy had proposed to build a new 80MW biomass power station on the site of its existing Roosecote gas-fired power station in Barrow-in-Furness and a 137MW biomass power station adjacent to its existing gas-fired power station at Glanford Brigg in North Lincolnshire.

However, while the Government has declared its support for biomass as part of the UK’s future energy mix, recent clarification on the regulatory framework relating to dedicated biomass plants indicates a preference for co-firing and coal conversion to biomass. This includes a consultation on a cap on dedicated biomass ROCs, a consultation on greenhouse gas limits on the biomass supply chain not being certain for 20 years, and the likely exclusion of dedicated biomass projects from the new capacity mechanism.

Centrica Energy also confirmed today that it would be withdrawing the existing gas-fired power station at Roosecote from service as it considers options for the plant, including permanent closure, the sale of the asset or redevelopment.

The existing gas-fired power station in Brigg will continue to operate.