Gas power stations under scrutiny

The stations would open in 2010

Plans for two gas power stations that will cost nearly £1bn to build have gone out for consultation.

Designs have been submitted to the DTI for West Burton near Gainsborough and Sutton Bridge near Spalding in Lincs.

The company behind the plans, EDF Energy, said it would help fill a gap in the country's energy needs.

The power stations are planned to open in 2010 but the final decision is to be taken by the government after consulting the DTI and local councils.

Peter McGriskin from EDF Energy said: "We believe the current technology of gas-fired power stations, which are very highly efficient and currently available in the market place, are the best way to fill an energy gap."

Environmental campaigners have given the plans a cautious welcome, as gas is viewed as cleaner than other fossil fuels, but they have pressed for more work to be done on renewable sources.

Both South Holland District Council, which covers Sutton Bridge and Nottinghamshire County Council, which covers West Burton, said it was too early in the consultation process to comment.