July 2, 2018 11.12 am This story is over 68 months old

Generator could help avoid rolling blackouts

It won’t be in use most of the time
The site of the planned generator.

A planned electricity generator near Hatton could help the country to avoid rolling blackouts according to developers.

A planned electricity substation near Hatton could help the country to avoid rolling blackouts according to developers.

Edge Power is looking to build a 50MW gas-powered generator plant at Hatton Hall Farm in Panton Road.

The facility, accessed from the A158, will be turned on by National Grid as and when surplus demand is required during periods of high energy usage such as during the winter period.

The site of the planned generator.

The company says the development is in response to predictions by National Grid that the power network will need to double its standby capacity by 2020 – in particularly after the government announced all UK coal plants would close by 2025.

The company states the plant will be built next to an existing gas distribution station and substation and won’t be operational for the majority of the time.

The station will be unmanned except occasional visits, however, a security company will be employed to guard the area.

Objections to the plans have come from Hatton Parish Council and two nearby addresses who raised concerns including traffic, the proximity to residential properties, how the station will deliver electricity and the suitability of the development.

Recommending approval, a council officers report says: “Whilst the concerns of local residents have been considered, on balance the impact can be mitigated and does not outweigh the benefit of providing a responsive supply, which will assist in the move to low carbon energy supply.”