I see that Scottish Power - or the new owner - is engaged in a lengthy operation to demolish Longannet Power Station. Would it not be cheaper to place the power station on reserve, employ a few security guards and postpone or avoid the demolition costs? I assume they may be selling the site, but would the cost of alternative land purchase not be cheaper than the cost of site clearance?
No, because there is lots of value in the scrap metal, particularly the copper in the wiring which, after the asbestos will be the first thing to be recovered.
It's was too costly to operate. It's too costly to return it to service. Like many of the 60's and 70's built sites it's operated for something like 50% longer than originally intended.
Placing it 'in reserve' does absolutely nothing. It has long since surrendered it's transmission entry capacity, shortly afterwards the generator connection to the grid will have been severed, the switchgear being removed, leaving only the essential station supplies, the boilers will have been drained and internal corrosion will have taken place, External corrosion of boiler tubework and ducting will have progressed in a damp acidic atmosphere. The boiler insurance will have lapsed.
The design always was a bit of a one off. In the distant past significant parts of decommissioned stations have been dismantled and parts used as strategic spares or much of the equipment sent abroad for reuse. It's almost certainly not a candidate for that.
--
Quite possibly, especially after the millions spent on reopening the railway line to Longannet for coal trains, but Sturgeon probably wants to see coal-fired put beyond all possibility of future re-opening.
Actually I think the site may be used for new train manufacturing, and there aren't many locations that have vacant sites and existing goods sidings.
Owain
Aberthaw is 'in reserve'.
It was on BBC4 lastnight, but these days it is fed with coal from Russia, because Welsh coal is too dirty.
Well that should keep the communists in the NUM happy :-)
Incorrect.
Aberthaw has a firm capacity market contract obtained in the 2014 T-14 auction for delivery in 2018/19 at a derated output of 1486.272 MW
Ref:
2014 T-4 auction results reportRow 3 of this spreadsheet of the capacity market register (last updated 7th Dec
2018)--
Yes train manufacturing is being looked at. The demolition process is too far gone for recovery in any case. Although I am across the Forth from it we can still hear the explosions when they go off from about 4 miles distant.
A lot of local politicians, who should know better, were reporting it as a done deal when there are still a few hoops to be jumped through first. Starting with the train company in question actually getting the contract in the first place.
Welsh coal is virtually non-existent these days.
In it's heyday some of the best coal came from there. I think this is all that's left
Do you know if there is a date for demolition of the chimney, or is everything being kept secret? The practice seems to be to announce the times in Edinburgh, but try to keep them secret (to discourage crowds) in Glasgow.
Yes. Years ago our local Model Engineering Society used to run their 5" and 3-1/2" gauge steam locos on Welsh steam coal. These days they can't get it and, when I have taken the kids there, the muck that pours from the funnels and lands on the passengers is bad.
SteveW
They must choose not to get it as it is still available in small quantities
GH
I have no doubt that it is still available in bulk or even in small quantities in some areas, but they tried and it was not possible to purchase small quantities such as a single bag at a time) around here. No-one stocks it, as we are in a smokeless zone and they only want to supply by the tonne!
SteveW
What an interesting document that is, amazing what went on there;)..
"In 1992, while testing a new angina treatment in Merthyr Tydfil, researchers discovered that the new drug had erection-stimulating side effects for some of the healthy volunteers in the trial study. This discovery formed the basis for Viagra.[11]"
Well not wanting to buy it in small quantities instead of a tonne which could then be shared by the various members of such a society is not the same as can?t get, so I stand by that they choose to not use it. This supplier which aims squarely at such users does not seem to have a minimum order though delivery for one or two bags may be a disproportionate part of the cost but if they really wanted it a pallet with a few bags can be handled by many shippers.
GH
Quote.....
The entire process is expected to be completed in 2021, with the large chimney likely to be the last structure to be brought down.
The bloke making the program was allowed to climb inside one of the 'boilers', so when that program was made (not sure when), it was 'in reserve' (because the employee accompanying the program author said so).
They lie. The coal from there is s**te for house coal. They're getting it from elsewhere.
(Also read the wording closely.)
The Welsh always fantasize about their great mining history and Maggies shutting it down. (When most of it was actually closed during the Wilson reign.)
This indicates that it's coming from a long way off. Possibly Colombia.
Thanks. That's really helpful. I'll buy a camper van and sit there from New Year in 2021 onwards. Do you know of any authorised camp sites, preferably with electricity?
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.