Pembroke Power Station
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pembroke Power Station | |
|---|---|
 Pembroke Power Station | |
 | |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Location | Pembroke, Pembrokeshire |
| Coordinates | 51°40′59″N 4°59′18″W / 51.68311°N 4.98842°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 2008 |
| Commission date | 2012 |
| Construction cost | £800 million |
| Owner | |
| Operator | RWE Generation UK |
| Thermal power station | |
| Primary fuel | Natural gas |
| Combined cycle? | Yes |
| Power generation | |
| Units operational | 5 x 400 MWe |
| Make and model | Alstom |
| Nameplate capacity | 2,000 MW |
| External links | |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
Pembroke Power Station is a 2,200 MWe natural gas-fired power station near Pembroke in Wales. The power station was officially opened in September 2012.[1] It is the largest gas-fired power station in the UK and the second largest in Europe, by generating capacity, as of 2021.[2] It is also the largest power station to be built in the UK since Drax power station came online in 1986. Pembroke Power Station currently generates enough power to supply 3.5 million homes and businesses.[3] It is operated by RWE Generation UK.
It is a CCGT-type power station that uses natural gas. There are five 400 MW modules, each with a 288 MWe Alstom gas turbine, heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine.
Capacity and output
From 1968 until 2000, a CEGB 2,000 MW oil-fired Hinton Heavies power station existed on the site of the current power station.[3] The station had four 500 MW turbo-alternators.[4] The boilers delivered 1,788 kg/s of steam to the turbines at 158.6 bar and 541 °C. Sea water was used for station cooling. There were 3 × 25 MW auxiliary gas turbine electricity generators on the Pembroke site, these were first commissioned in November 1969.[4][5]
The generating capacity, electricity output, load factor and thermal efficiency were as shown in the table.[6]
| Year | Net capability, MW | Electricity supplied, GWh | Load as percent of capability, % | Thermal efficiency, % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 1360 | 1767.782 | 36.1 | 34.35 |
| 1979 | 2000 | 9538.811 | 57.3 | 34.77 |
| 1981 | 2000 | 4467.597 | 26.8 | 34.07 |
| 1982 | 2000 | 3632.022 | 21.8 | 36.43 |
| 1984 | 1900 | 1984.997 | 11.9 | 35.34 |
| 1985 | 1900 | 11,249.903 | 67.6 | 38.42 |
| 1986 | 1900 | 1203.964 | 7.2 | 33.84 |
| 1987 | 1900 | 1443.907 | 8.7 | 35.01 |
The electricity supply data, in GWh, is shown graphically.
The high output in 1984/5 was associated with the 1984/5 Miners' Strike, and the shortage of coal for coal-fired power stations.
The performance data for the gas turbine generators is summarised in the following table.[6]
| Year | Net capability, MW | Electricity supplied, GWh | Load as percent of capability, % | Thermal efficiency, % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 50 | 26.317 | 6.0 | 22.24 |
| 1979 | 100 | 9.643 | 1.1 | 19.60 |
| 1981 | 100 | 0.127 | – | – |
| 1982 | 100 | 1.073 | 0.1 | 10.07 |
| 1984 | 100 | 0.0 | – | – |
| 1985 | 100 | 29.9 | 3.4 | 22.38 |
| 1986 | 100 | 2.083 | 0.2 | 15.70 |
| 1987 | 100 | 2.577 | 0.3 | 17.52 |
The plant was mothballed by National Power in 1996[7] when the company proposed to use the controversial fuel Orimulsion. The company changed its mind in the face of fierce opposition and the plant closed in 1997[7] with the loss of 300 jobs.
National Power put the site up for sale in July 2000. Demolition of the old power station began in 2000[7] and was completed by 2003.[3] National Power first proposed a CCGT power plant on the site in 1997. This plan lasted until it chose to build Staythorpe instead.[8]
A former member of staff, and his spouse through washing asbestos laden overalls, later died in 2012 and 2022 from mesothelioma as a result of negligence at the plant between 1969 and 1982. Their family received compensation through legal action.[9]
