On 31 July 2014 a serious fire impacted Units 3 and 4 at SSE’s Ferrybridge 'C' coal-fired power station in Yorkshire. The fire only impacted the Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) absorbers attached to the two units, both of which were on planned outage, with the units themselves unaffected. FGD absorbers reduce the sulphur dioxide, in accordance with European emissions directives, that is released into the atmosphere following the combustion process.
The damage caused to the Unit 3 absorber by the fire was less severe than that to Unit 4, and Unit 3 (490MW) returned to service on 29 October.
The damage caused to Unit 4’s absorber was significant, with investigations revealing the need for extensive repair work. SSE had therefore not expected to return Unit 4 to service during this financial year. However, in its half year results statement SSE highlighted that it was exploring potential options that would allow the unit to return this winter to support the security of the electricity system.
SSE has subsequently discussed these options with the Environment Agency, which enforces compliance with emissions legislation. The Environment Agency has confirmed that, subject to compliance with agreed management of change actions, SSE is able to re-commission Unit 4 and return it to service without a serviceable FGD plant. Key elements of the management of change are that existing emissions limits set out in the station’s Pollution Prevention and Control permit are unchanged and must be complied with; and that Unit 4 can only be operated in conjunction with Unit 3. SSE will be given no special dispensation should it breach the terms of this agreement, the consequences of which are removal of Unit 4 from service and enforcement under the conditions of SSE’s licence.
SSE is therefore pleased to announce that Unit 4 (490MW) will begin a period of commissioning on Wednesday 10 December, ahead of a formal return to service in early 2015.
In order to remain within the required emissions limits, SSE will operate Unit 4 at a lower output than its maximum capacity of 490MW. As a result, only 400MW has initially been made available to market.