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May 30, 2000 DTI Approval is First Step for Chlor-Chemicals' Planned CHPChlor-Chemicals is delighted that the DTI has approved its section 14 application for the Combined Heat and Power development in Runcorn. This permission allows the CHP to burn gas on the basis that it is a ‘good quality CHP system’ as measured against government criteria.Chlor-Chemicals is now seeking section 36 approval – the equivalent of planning permission - for the new Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) which is designed to cut emissions of carbon dioxide – a global warming gas - by 50 per cent over current on- and off-site electrical generation. It will also virtually eliminate sulphur dioxide emissions compared to the Runcorn Site's existing power stations. The application is currently awaiting a decision from the Department of Trade and Industry following the company’s consultation with the community earlier this year about the CHP proposal. The noise levels from the planned CHP will be lower than the existing stations and the visual amenity of the site will be improved because its two smaller 60 metre stacks will replace the existing 107m stack that currently dominates the site. The planned CHP is designed to replace the two old power stations on the Site (one is over 50 years old). It will burn natural gas for 99% of the time and will be fitted with the most modern technology for the minimisation of pollutants such as nitrous oxides (NOx). It will cost around £110 million and, subject to permission from the DTI, take two and a half years to build and commission. Adrian Bromley, chief executive of Chlor-Chemicals said: "The planned CHP will help improve the environment – in particular we will be cutting national CO2 emissions substantially and will increase fuel and production efficiency and will make a major contribution to the long-term future of the plant and employment in the area." "John Prescott announced the government's new plans to combat climate change on 9 March, including increased targets for the installation of CHP plants. This project will boost the amount of CHP in the UK by more than 6%, and, subject to full permission, we would be delighted to be able to play such a significant part in improving the environment," said Chlor-Chemicals Power Projects Manager Bryan Bulloch.
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