Labour joins fight against coal power plant

OPPOSITION to a proposed new coal-fired power station continued to grow yesterday as the firm behind the project lodged its with the Scottish Government.

Ayrshire Power wants to build a new 3 billion coal plant at Hunterston in Ayrshire.

The company, owned by Peel Energy, says it would power three million homes and provide 160 long-term jobs.

However, green groups have attacked the idea, saying it would emit tonnes of carbon dioxide at a time when the country has to meet tough climate change targets.

Scottish Labour yesterday became the latest to speak out against the plan. Energy spokesman Lewis Macdonald said: "If Scotland is going to make a significant contribution to cutting carbon emissions, it makes no sense to start by building a coal-fired power station in place of nuclear electricity.

"If this goes ahead it will set back Scotland's prospects of meeting our commitments on climate change."

He added: "This is a direct result of the SNP ruling out new nuclear for the future."

The proposals are for a site between the existing Clydeport coal-handling facility at the Hunterston Terminal, and the Hunterston B nuclear power plant.

Environmental campaigners say the Scottish Government should use only renewables to provide the extra power needed in the future.