Green power station plan revealed

The government is being asked to approve plans for a new gas-fired power station for Teesside.

The £500m plan would see the 1,000 megawatt plant built on a 25-acre coastal site near Stockton.

Teesside-based Thor Cogeneration claims the complex would require less North Sea gas than conventional stations and produce 60% less carbon emissions.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Stockton Council are being asked to approve the proposals.

'Ideally situated'

If given the go-ahead, it is expected the plant could supply power to the National Grid by 2009.

Project manager with Thor Cogeneration, Paul Verrill, said: "This will be a highly efficient operation, using the very latest technology to minimise environmental impact.

"This new plant will provide greener, reliable energy at a time when many existing power generation assets around the UK, particularly the ageing coal and nuclear fleet, are reaching the end of their operating life."

It is estimated that more than 200 jobs could be created in the construction phase of the operation.