15th February 2002

GAS LICENCE DECISION WELCOMED BY COOLKEERAGH ESB

The decision by the Director General of Gas, Douglas McIldoon, to award the gas transmission licence for the Northwest pipeline is warmly welcomed by Coolkeeragh ESB.

Richard Sterling, Managing Director of Coolkeeragh Power Limited said: "This decision provides a central element in the development of the £150 million natural gas CCGT power plant at Coolkeeragh. It enables Coolkeeragh ESB to move ahead according to its programme of work to start commercial operation in 2004".

Talking about the CCGT development, Michael Aherne, ESB Manager Northern Ireland said: "Coolkeeragh ESB will shortly appoint a contractor to carry out the site preparation work to construct the power plant. The major construction works will begin during the summer".

The new power plant being developed by Coolkeeragh ESB will offer substantial benefits, not only as the anchor customer for the new gas pipeline, but importantly in terms of cheaper electricity prices and environmental benefits.

The use of leading edge technology and natural gas fuel in the CCGT development will produce electricity, which will be substantially cheaper than electricity produced in existing power stations in Northern Ireland. As a result, the Coolkeeragh CCGT power plant will act as a benchmark for competitive electricity, forcing down the overall market price in Northern Ireland and benefiting customers.

About the power plant development:

The Coolkeeragh ESB development team has delivered all the key milestones of its development programme, including:

•  Grid Connection Offer from NIE June 2001

•  Planning Permission awarded July 2001

•  Article 39 Consent awarded August 2001

•  Industrial Pollution Control (IPC) authorisation awarded November 2001

•  Contractors for the construction of the new power plant, including gas and steam turbines have been selected

•  Coolkeeragh ESB has been working closely with DETI agencies to create local contractor awareness of opportunities created by the Coolkeeragh CCGT construction.

For further information contact

Claire Aiken, Aiken PR, 028 90663000 or 07831 717535

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