Proposalsto cut carbon emissions at two of the country's largest coal-firedpower stations were welcomed today (Thursday 17 May) by Friends of theEarth Scotland. The environmental group was responding to theannouncement of a
feasibility study by ScottishPower to convert its two biggest power stations
(Longannet and Cockenzie) to cleaner coal technology. [1]

Theplans represent a campaign success for Friends of the Earth Scotland.Since 2003 the group has repeatedly targeted the two power stations,dubbing them 'carbon-dinosaurs' and warning that they should eitherclean-up of be shut down. [2]

Friends of the Earth Scotland's Chief Executive, Duncan McLaren, said:

"We'velong campaigned for polluting power stations to clean up their act orface closure. We therefore welcome plans that will enable these twofacilities to cut their climate emissions. Today's announcement is astep in the right direction. Coal remains a dirty and polluting fuel,and ScottishPower must ensure that emissions are cut as quickly aspossible through improved technology.

"Refittingwith supercritical boilers should cut emissions by about 20%, but thisstill leaves 80% of the climate changing pollution unaffected. Evenafter this refit, these power stations will be dirtier than gasturbines. So it is essential that ScottishPower move swiftly to installcarbon capture and storage technology in addition."

Commenting on plans to make the stations "carbon capture ready", McLaren
added:

"Globallycarbon capture and storage will have a role to play in helping minimiseemissions in the critical coming decades - especially for countrieslike China and India. Scotland must help develop these abatementtechnologies for the world - not wait until others have commercialisedthem.

"Carboncapture is no magic wand to allow us to indulge in continued wastefulenergy consumption. That is why we will continue to press thegovernment to commit, through a Climate Bill, to real and sustainedcuts in climate emissions.

"Weremain open-minded that post-combustion carbon capture and storage incoal seams makes good environmental and commercial sense - we lookforward to seeing the details of ScottishPower's plans, and hearingtheir guarantees that gases stored this way will not subsequently leak."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] ScottishPower press release:

Theproposals include the fitting of 'supercritical' turbines and boilersthat could be fitted at the Longannet and Cockenzie power plants.According to the company carbon emissions would be reduced by 20%.

http://www.scottishpower.com/PressReleases_1535.htm

[2]Since 2003 Longannet and Cockenzie power stations have topped apollution league table, published by Friends of the Earth as part ofits 'Carbon Dinosaurs' campaign. The UK-wide campaign called forcoal-burning plants to clean up their act or face closure.
http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/press/pr20030803.html