Energy Wholesale

Continually investing in operational excellence

Our main objectives are to meet ScottishPower's UK energy needs at lowest possible cost and to secure maximum value from our flexible and diverse generating portfolio. Passionate about achieving operational excellence, we’re investing in our extensive thermal fleet of coal and gas generating plant to reduce emissions and improve efficiency and flexibility.

Flue Gas Desulphurisation Project

A good example of our innovative and forward thinking approach is our decision to extend the life of the UK’s second largest coal-fired station. Our Longannet station has a 2,400MW capacity. And the decision to embark upon the largest capital investment programme at the site since its construction will help us to meet the future needs of our customers and secure the station’s role as a major supplier of energy to the UK market.

The project involves the overhaul and upgrading of existing units as well as the installation of new technologies that will deliver substantial reductions in emissions. This includes the massive challenge of installing flue gas desulphurisation, which in itself is one of the largest engineering projects in Scotland in recent years.

This £300 million investment programme has been running for 3 years and has involved over 5 million hours of dedicated time and up to 1,200 construction workers on site at peak times. The work is now nearing completion and will reduce SOx emissions by over 90% and NOx emissions by more than 25%.

We’re also investigating further innovative ‘clean coal’ projects to deliver substantial CO2 reductions that could lead to Longannet becoming a world leader in coal-fired environmental performance. Whilst we’re also building a brand new biomass power station next to Longannet that will burn a mix of biomass materials and operate to the highest of environmental standards.

With even more projects in the pipeline, you’re sure to enjoy an exciting career in Energy Wholesale.