Severn Power Station uses some of the most advanced energy generating equipment available in order to secure efficient use of the natural gas, which makes it one of the world’s most efficient power stations with a strong focus on environment and cost effectiveness.

Furthermore, the utilisation of natural gas entails that the environmental impact is reduced to a minimum. Firing natural gas the power station ensures that no particles, fly ash or considerable amounts of sulphur are produced during operation. Thanks to the advanced burner technology, the power station’s nitrogen oxide emission levels are very low.



On advanced large-area display screens in the control room the qualified operators can monitor all environmental data and optimise the units to their best environmental operation. All operational data are stored to document that the power station is below the environmental limits set up for its operation.

A responsible neighbour
As a responsible neighbour, Severn Power is committed to the operation of an environmentally sympathetic power station. As part of the planning process, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was commissioned.

Click here for the non-technical summary of the EIA (pdf) .

Potential Impacts
The EIA report was thorough and comprehensive. Some of the key areas of potential impact addressed are summarised here.




Water
Many power stations use water for cooling. To avoid any impact on the River Usk, Severn Power uses an air cooling system. This means no water needs to be taken from the river. All water used within the plant comes from the mains supply. There are no discharges into the local water courses: all waste water (including rain water run-off) goes into the sewerage system.

Air
With every form of combustion, there are gas emissions. Gas-fired power stations, like Severn Power, create significantly fewer emissions compared with traditional fossil-fuel stations. For example, gas generation generates 50 per cent less carbon dioxide – a major greenhouse gas – than a coal-fired power station. It also produces less nitrous oxide and other potential pollutants. Severn Power is required by law to have the appropriate permits for emissions, and is closely regulated by the Environment Agency.

Visual Impact
The buildings at Severn Power are significantly lower than those of the original Uskmouth ‘A’ power station, leading to a reduced impact on the skyline. Additional landscaping work will be carried out to further reduce the visual impact of the new power station as it nears completion.

Connection to the Grid
No new overhead cables or pylons are needed to connect the new power station to the electricity grid. Severn Power will be connected via the existing sub-station on the site. Owned by National Grid, the sub-station will be extended as part of its existing programme of development.

Gas Supply
Gas is supplied to Severn Power through a new section of high pressure pipe. This starts at Marshfield, some 6km to the west of the power station. It runs underground for its whole length, in some places as much as 30 metres below the surface. This pipeline is operated by Severn Gas Transportation Ltd (SGTL) and was installed using a technique called Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), to minimise disruption to the local community, farming activities and wildlife habitats.

More information about the ‘Marshfield to Uskmouth’ pipeline, including a map, can be downloaded here.