Wrexham Power Limited consultation on estate gas plant
Public consultation has begun on plans for a gas-fired power plant in Wrexham.
Wrexham Power Ltd says the £800m plant could create up to 1,200 construction jobs and 50 permanent posts. A planning application is unlikely until 2014.
The Midlands-based company is in talks with Wrexham council, and a brochure outlining plans for the Wrexham Energy Centre is being sent to local homes.
It says the plant could supply energy to Wrexham Industrial Estate, where it would be based.
While plans for the site near Bryn Lane are at "very early stages", the company claims it would "secure the supply of power to businesses on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.
"The Energy Centre also has the potential to supply businesses with cheap heat and discounted gas".
The announcement coincides with the completion next month of a new £35m relief road, which the company says will encourage further investment on the estate.
Daniel Chapman, a director of Wrexham Power Ltd, said: "We are at a very early stage and we will first consult the community on our initial thoughts and ideas before coming back with firmer plans next year.
"We are planning a massive investment in the Wrexham Industrial Estate, creating permanent, temporary associated jobs, and securing the supply of power to one of Europe's largest industrial estates, which has vast energy needs."
The company says low-carbon power would be created by using a mixture of compressed air and ignited gas.
Those elements in a combustion turbine could produce electricity, while the heat generated would be converted into steam to spin a second turbine.
Steve Bayley, head of assets and economic development for Wrexham council, said: "Discussions are still very much in the early stages and any application will be dealt with by Planning Inspectorate under the Planning Act 2008.
"The views of the authority, as well as local residents and community councils, will be sought during this process."
Mr Bayley said the final decision rested with the secretary of state for energy and climate change.