PEMBROKE, Wales, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The British minister of state for energy said the opening of one of Europe's largest gas-fired power stations in the region was a victory for energy security.
British Minister of State for Energy John Hayes joined executives from RWE in the opening of a combined cycle gas turbine plant in Pembroke. Representing a $1.6 billion investment, the facility is capable of generating as much as 2,000 megawatts of electricity.
"The opening of Pembroke Power Station is great news for our energy security," Hayes said in a statement.
RWE described the power station as one of the most efficient plants of its kind in Europe.
"The new power station will produce less than half the CO2 emissions of a similar sized coal-fired power station," it said.
Construction of the plant, which has five power-generating units, began in 2009. It can generate enough power to meet the energy demands of more than 3.5 million households.
"Every new power station built is a real strategic asset for our economy," said Hayes. "This billion-dollar investment will play a vital role in our energy mix, providing a flexible, reliable energy supply for homes and businesses across the country."
