ScottishPowers pioneering low-emission project at Longannet power station, a £28m initiative backed by the European Union, was formally commissioned today (Friday 14 November) by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Donald Dewar.

The gas reburn programme involved the installation of advanced gas injectors in one of the four Longannet boilers. The injection of gas during the coal firing process cuts emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the 2400MW station while improving combustion and increasing demand for local coal. NOx is an atmospheric pollutant which causes acid rain.

Launched in 1994 and one of the biggest Scottish engineering projects of recent years, the scheme is designed to underline the potential of coal as an economic and environmentally friendly source of energy.

The scheme's international dimension is illustrated by a £5.5m grant from the EU's THERMIE programme and backing from Electricite de France, ENEL and Ansaldo Energia of Italy, ESB of the Irish Republic, Babcock Mitsui and BG. Its performance will be closely monitored by the many countries interested in the commercial potential of the technology.

Mr Dewar was shown around the plant by ScottishPower Chairman Murray Stuart and Chief Executive Ian Robinson who were accompanied by officials from the EU and the companies involved.

Mr Stuart said: "The reburn project is an outstanding example of what can be achieved by international cooperation and ScottishPower is proud to have led the way in developing a technology which should ensure continuing high demand for clean coal technology.

"It is also worth noting that the project forms only one part of the £140m investment in our Longannet and Cockenzie coal-fired power stations to extend their working lives through a range of environmental improvements."