Sian Crampsie
Energy group Engie has announced plans to convert the site of a retired coal fired power plant in the UK into a low-carbon community incorporating solar and smart energy technologies.
Engie says that it will retain ownership and long-term interest in the 139 ha site of the Rugeley power station, converting it into a community with over 2000 homes as well as commercial buildings.
The 1 GW Rugeley power station ceased operating in mid-2016. Engie said in a statement that it will combine its “unique combination of capabilities in energy, services and regeneration” to transform the site.
Engie’s plans include the installation of around 10 MW of solar photovoltaic panels – enough to meet around half of the new community’s energy needs – as well as battery storage capacity. It said that the homes will use around one-third of the energy used by average new build homes.
Commenting on the announcement Wilfrid Petrie, Engie CEO UK & Ireland, said: “ENGIE’s decision to retain ownership and lead the repurposing of the site builds on our track record of going beyond energy and confirms our position at the forefront of the UK’s transition towards lower carbon, more energy efficient development.”
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