RWE npower is planning to build the UK's first Carbon Dioxide Capture pilot plant at Aberthaw Power Station in
South Wales.

An initial £8.4m investment will focus on a 1MW capture plant, with further investment planned to support a capture and
storage demonstrator plant of at least 25MW. The first phase could be fully operational by 2010

This will act as a crucial test-ground for the potential of CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) technology as a means to
generate low-carbon energy. Both plants will be designed using post-combustion technology, which unlike alternative
CCS approaches, can be applied to existing coal power plants. The pilot will enable RWE npower to develop a full understanding of both the technical and commercial issues relating to CCS and will allow the CCS concept to be tested
in as close to real operational conditions as is possible.

The larger capture and storage demonstrator plant would form part of one of the new, high efficiency supercritical power
stations which are currently under feasibility and planning at RWE npower's existing sites in Tilbury, Essex and at Blyth,
Northumberland.

Andy Duff, CEO, RWE npower, commented: “Over the next decade, older coal and nuclear power stations will close,
however coal continues to be an important source of energy for the UK and whilst this is the case we believe CCS
offers significant potential. for reducing CO2 emissions. Our challenge is to ensure that we fully understand this
potential and are best placed to make an investment in CCS that will support our energy strategy long-term.
“This pilot is a critical step in our plans to move towards cleaner coal power stations, which alongside
investment in other low carbon energy initiatives will ensure we can continue to meet the country’s energy
needs, whilst significantly reducing CO2 emissions.“

Image - RWE npower