November 2006

John Smith MP, Vale of Glamorgan, recently visited the £44 million npower Cogen combined heat and power (CHP) station at the Dow Corning site in Barry, as the Government identifies CHP technology as an environmentally sound way to deliver future energy needs.

CHP is a highly efficient way of generating energy, as the heat produced during electricity generation is used to produce steam for a customer, and also to generate more power. It is also Climate Change Levy exempt as it produces lower carbon emissions than energy generated from traditional methods. In the recent Energy Review, the Government stated that CHP had a significant part to play in managing future energy needs while being sensitive towards the environment.

John Smith MP and Damien Gilmartin

The npower Cogen CHP plant at Dow Corning came into operation in 1998 to provide electricity, steam and water to the chemicals company. As a result of the CHP plant's fuel efficiency, Dow Corning secures reliable supplies of energy whilst significantly reducing environmental impacts.

John Smith MP commented; "The use of energy and its impact on the environment remains a major challenge for society. npower Cogen should be congratulated for its CHP plant at Dow Corning for demonstrating how environmental issues need not be compromised to meet energy requirements. The plant also further underlines the technical expertise and commitment to the local economy."

Damian Gilmartin, the CHP plant site manager, stated: "Energy issues are becoming of increasing importance to companies such as Dow Corning. As well as cost, environmental issues around energy must be a consideration for modern business. The CHP plant helps with both of these, allowing the company to focus on what it does best, rather than worry about energy issues."

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