Published at 16:39, Monday, 23 July 2012

JOBS are at risk as Centrica considers “moth-balling” its gas-fired power station at Roosecote after failing to secure a new contract to supply the National Grid.

The company will review the operation over the next month following National Grid’s decision on Friday not to renew the plant’s contract.

The ageing plant had been operating on a short-term operating reserve contract that sees it only provide power when there is a shortfall.

The high cost of producing electricity from the country’s oldest station of its kind meant Centrica could not match the bids of its coal-powered and low carbon competitors.

A Centrica spokesman said the company would do everything it could to protect the jobs of local workers.

He said: “It’s disappointing that we didn’t win a new contract and our review will consider all options for the plant. Options include retaining the plant in service or moth-balling while planning approval is sought for (the proposed) biomass (plant). Business conditions for gas-fired generation are tough at present due to high gas prices relative to coal and low carbon prices.

“We will keep our staff fully informed of development and seek every opportunity to re-deploy them within Centrica if employment at Roosecote is not an option.”

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “This news will be deeply worrying for the many workers employed at the gas-fired power station at Roosecote.”

Roosecote began its working life as a coal-fired station in 1954. It closed in 1986 and re-opened as a gas-powered station in 1991.

According to Centrica’s website, the plant employs 31 workers, but it is understood some have already been re-deployed to the neighbouring gas terminals. Centrica has lodged plans with the Planning Inspectorate to build a biomass plant at the site, which it claims will create up to 500 jobs during construction and a further 50 once operational.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk