24/08/2001

Power plant gets the go ahead

The Government has given the go ahead to plans by Coolkeeragh ESB in the development of a new natural gas CCGT power plant on the outskirts of Londonderry.

The £150 million project is expected to provide the cheapest electricity in Northern Ireland and is likely to be up and running by 2004.

Coolkeeragh ESB are working closely with gas developers Questar /BGE to finalise gas transportation agreements.

Questar /BGE are currently in final negotiations with OFREG, who regulate the electricity and gas markets in Northern Ireland, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to build a gas pipeline from Gormanstown in County Dublin to Belfast, and from Belfast to Londonderry.

An imminent decision is expected which will allow the licence award for the gas pipelines and signing of contracts. (MB)

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