Published Date:
15 July 2008
Chief Reporter
A controversial Mid-lothian open cast coal site could play an integral part in a £700 million deal to supply two Scottish power stations.
ScottishPower and Scottish Coal have signed a five-year agreement for 10 million tonnes of coal for Cockenzie Power Station in East Lothian, and Longannet Power Station in Fife.
The deal, thought to be the largest ever coal supply contact in Scotland, starts on January 1, 2009.
Airfield site
The Scottish Resources Group, which owns Scottish Coal, has said it will increase production significantly to fulfil the contract, which will require further investment in Scotland and create new jobs.
It is envisioned the coal will come from existing and new Scottish Coal reserves.
Scottish Coal currently mines in nine separate sites across the central belt.
There are two potential sites in Midlothian – an existing open cast site at Shewington, near Rosewell, and the proposed open cast site at Airfield, in Cousland, which is in the early stages of public consultation.
The Airfield site could provide up to 50 full-time jobs and additional contract/temporary posts.
For full story, see The Advertiser, July 17, 2008
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Last Updated:
17 July 2008 12:14 PM
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Source:
Midlothian Advertiser
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Location:
Midlothian
