ScottishPower has signed a multi-million pound combined heat and power contract with leading multinational science company DuPont for its Dumfries site in south west Scotland.

DuPont is the largest manufacturer of PET polyester film in the world, with four sites in Europe, of which Dumfries is the largest. The company currently spends around £5 million annually on energy at the Dumfries plant.

The deal, which will be implemented in two phases, will reduce the DuPont Dumfries plant's energy bills by around 14%, and is in line with the Government's target to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by the year 2010.

Under phase one, ScottishPower will invest £2.5 million to replace the existing oil-fired boilers with energy efficient gas-fired boilers, which will deliver the 200,000 tonnes of steam required by the plant each year.

Phase two involves the installation, operation and maintenance of 9.7MWe of combined heat and power plant.

The agreement was signed by Berend Van der Meer, DuPont Dumfries Site and Operations Manager and Ken Vowles, ScottishPower's Executive Director, UK Power Operations in Dumfries on 11 November 1999.

Ken Vowles said:
"ScottishPower has worked in close partnership with DuPont to identify the most appropriate solution to meet their long term business objectives for Dumfries. This project demonstrates our expertise in delivering energy systems operating at maximum efficiency and minimum cost."

Berend Van der Meer said:
"ScottishPower Energy & Utility Services has developed a tailored solution for our business which will deliver significant commercial benefits, as well as making a major reduction in our environmental footprint. The partnership underlines our commitment to the Dumfries site and will help us maintain our position as market leader in a highly competitive environment."

Phase one of the project is expected to be operational by June 2000.

Further Information:
Ann Hood, ScottishPower Press Office, 0141 248 8200

Note to Editor

1. The Dumfries deal was developed by ScottishPower Energy & Utility Services, which works with large industrial customers across the UK to design and manager efficient energy systems.
2. Contact Energy & Utility Services on 0845 270 1234 or visit the ScottishPower website.