New UK power station to be built

Energy company Centrica is to start construction of Britain's first major new power station in almost five years. The UK firm, which owns British Gas, said it would invest £400m ($741m) to develop the gas-fired power station in Langage, near Plymouth in Devon. The new plant will provide electricity to more than one million homes

The new combined cycle gas turbine plant will be one of the country's most efficient power stations, beginning commercial operations as early as winter 2008.

Planning permission for the power station was first granted six years ago, despite objections from local residents. French company Alstom will build and maintain the Langage power station, which would provide electricity for about 11% of the energy company's forecast peak residential demand.



Centrica raised its gas and electricity prices by 22% at the beginning of March, and has recently warned that further price rises could be on the way.

For more information, see the BBC.