Big clean up plan for power station

PLANS have been drawn up for the installation of new equipment at Warrington’s Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station designed to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.
The proposals by Scottish and Southern Energy will not involve a planning application to the borough council but will be submitted to and considered by the Department for Energy and Climate Change.
However, the council will be consulted and planning chiefs believe an early, pre-application presentation by the company would be of benefit.
Members of the council representing wards on the western side of Warrington have been advised of the presentation, along with local parish councils.
The plan involves installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) equipment.
In SCR systems, ammonia vapour is injected into the flue gas stream, passing over a catalyst.
Emissions of nitrogen oxide are reduced by 80-90 per cent, it is claimed.
Nitrogen oxides are one of the main ingredients involved in the formation of ground-level ozone, which can trigger serious respiratory problems.
They also contribute to formation of acid rain, damage water quality, cause visibility impairment, react to form toxic chemicals and contribute to global warming, according to experts.
Nitrogen Oxides and the pollutants they can form can be transported over long distances by prevailing winds.
SCR systems work in a similar way to a catalytic converter used to reduce vehicle emissions. Prior to exhaust gases going up the smokestack, they pass through the SCR System where ammonia reacts with nitrogen oxide and converts it to nitrogen and water.
The 2,000mw Fiddlers Ferry power station dates from 1971. Since July 2004 it has been owned by Scottish and Southern Energy.
Pictured: Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station