ESB plans to counter blackouts with two new plants

The ESB intends to apply for planning permission for another two temporary generating plants to prevent widespread power blackouts.

The ESB has given notice that it will lodge two planning applications to Offaly County Council for new plants at Ferbane and Rhode.

Temporary capacity is already earmarked for Aghada power station in Cork and the former Asahi site at Tawnaghmore, Co Mayo.

These two generators should be operational this weekend.

The two plants in Ferbane and Rhode could be operational as early as winter 2004.

The ESB and the Department of Communications are anxious that shortages are prevented this year and in 2004 to 2005.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has agreed to the ESB plans. A spokesman for the company said applying for planning in Ferbane and Rhode made sense because it would cut the lead-in time if the plants were needed.

The ESB emphasised that while it intended to get planning for Ferbane and Rhode the temporary plants would only be utilised "if needed".

"The licensing requirements for the installation of this additional-peaking capacity plant, is being put in place by ESB at the request of the CER.

"The power plants to be provided are likely to be similar to that currently being installed at Aghada and Asahi," said a statement. The Ferbane and Rhode plants will have the capacity to provide about 100 megawatts each.

"Environmental emissions from the plant will be low and the proposed plant will comply with all current and proposed future environmental legislation.

Approximately 100 megawatts of capacity could be installed at each site.

This is sufficient to power approximately 200,000 homes throughout Ireland," added the ESB statement.

The ESB will also have to submit an application for an integrated pollution control license to the Environmental Protection Agency for each site.

"This need has arisen due to the significant growth in demand for electricity in Ireland over the past number of years arising from increased levels of industrial activity and domestic consumption," said the ESB.

The increased demand is particularly acute during short periods in the winter months or when other power stations are out of service for maintenance or repair.