[posted
17/12/2008]
RWE npower, the owner of Didcot A Power Station, today
said it had signed an agreement to supply Waste Recycling
Group (WRG) with the majority of the coal ash produced
by the station over its remaining lifetime.
Along with the recent £60m investment in new turbines
at the gas-fired Didcot B Power Station, today’s
deal will ensure the continued production of electricity
for over three million people, while supporting the
local economy and safeguarding jobs.
The deal will provide WRG’s Sutton Courtenay site
with ash for engineering purposes, and remove the need
for disposal at the Radley gravel pits, creating new
opportunities for nature conservation.
RWE npower said it wanted to discuss plans which would
effectively see the Thrupp Lake former gravel pit gifted
to the local community and managed by a partnership
including a wildlife organisation.
John Rainford, Didcot A station manager said:
“We’re very pleased that we have found such
a significant alternative to ash disposal at Radley
which protects our ability to generate power whenever
it is needed.
“Our vision for the Thrupp Lake area involves
a strong partnership with the Radley community. We are
keen to agree a scheme that takes into account the wishes
of local people as well as the needs of the area’s
ecology.
“Our main priority is now to engage fully
with local people to make sure our plans are developed
in partnership with them.”
Paul Green, Senior Development Manager for WRG, added:
“This
is a win-win situation, we no longer need to look elsewhere
for capping and engineering materials to use at our
site, and the power station has a secure outlet for
ash. We can store the ash we don’t need right
away for future use.
“We take our environmental responsibilities
very seriously and are looking at ways to support RWE
and the local community in delivering the best solution
for the future of Thrupp Lake.”
RWE npower said it was also exploring opportunities
for further ecological restoration at other parts of
the Radley site, including the creation of mixed meadow,
woodland and wetland areas with habitats for water fowl,
wetland birds and aquatic invertebrates.
The company said it was prepared to consider conversion
of its ‘Sandles’ lakeside house into an
educational centre and environment centre. This could
allow local people and school children to study the
ecology and learn more about environmental issues.
It aims to bring together funding for the independent
ecological management of the area, and is opening discussions
with landowners and wildlife organisations including
the Northmoor Trust which already manages over 300 hectares
of land in Oxfordshire.
Over the next few months, the company will begin a process
of consultation with the community to develop a long
term vision for the area.
Harry Barton, Chief Executive at the Northmoor Trust,
said:
"We
have had preliminary discussions with npower about our
possible involvement in Radley Lakes. The Northmoor
Trust is passionate about getting people actively involved
in conserving the natural environment. Thrupp Lake is
a beautiful site with a lot of opportunity, and it is
great news that npower is now in a position to safeguard
its future. I look forward to further discussion with
npower and other stakeholders."
Jenny Standen, Chair of Radley Parish Council, said:
"I am sure that the parish, and those people
who have been working so hard to try and save Thrupp
Lake, will be delighted at the news and we should congratulate
npower and WRG at coming to such an excellent arrangement."
|
