The official launch of Carrington Power took place on 23 January, at a reception in Flixton House, hosted by John McSweeney of ESB International, the project owner and developer.
Carrington Power received planning permission in July 2008 for the construction of the 860MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station on the former Carrington power station site. The station, which already has connection to the National Grid, will sit alongside the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey.
Preliminary site activities have recently commenced. Site enabling works are programmed to start during 2009 with construction scheduled to commence in early 2010.
During construction over 600 jobs will be created with a further 50 people employed full-time when the plant is operational in 2013.
Carrington Power will also have the potential to provide steam to neighbouring businesses that require a supply, further increasing its efficiency. In addition, enough land is available to incorporate a facility for future requirements to capture and store carbon.
During operation of the plant natural gas will be delivered via an underground pipe and electricity will be transported via existing overhead lines. Disruption to traffic will, therefore, be kept to a minimum during operation.
Cllr Susan Williams, leader of Trafford Council said "We are delighted that this project is now going ahead and this derelict, brownfield site will once again be used for power generation. Trafford Council will continue to work closely with the developer. Carrington is an area in need of regeneration and this project will bring many direct benefits to the Council and local communities".
ESBI, the international arm of the Irish Republic's Electricity Supply Board (ESB), acquired a controlling interest in the project company, Bridestones, from Carlton Power in October 2008. ESBI is also a 50% shareholder in Corby Power of Northamptonshire, the first independent power station in Britain. Additionally, ESBI is co-developing Marchwood Power, an 842MW gas-fired power station near Southampton which is scheduled to enter service later this year.