Minister to officially open Amorebieta plant
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey T.D., will officially open the ESB Plant at Amorebieta this month. The €500m state-of-the-art facility uses the latest in advanced engineering technology to generate electricity from natural gas. It is now delivering up to 800MW onto the Spanish system and has the capability to provide a third of the annual electricity needs of the Basque region. The facility is the largest overseas investment to date and is the first internationally owned independent power plant in the highly competitive Iberian market. Construction of the plant commenced in February 2003 and was completed in 30 months, achieving commercial operation three months ahead of schedule. The project delivered one of the highest Health and Safety records for the region during the 2.1 million work hours of construction.ESBI is now responsible for the operation and maintenance of the plant with a team of 40 people in place, most of whom were recruited locally.
This development represents the largest ever inward investment in the Basque region. Last year Osaka Gas joined ESB as an equal partner in the project. This significant contribution by a leading international gas company represents one of the largest investments to have been made in this region by a Japanese company.
The Amorebieta development positions ESB to continue to compete internationally and to make further successful overseas investments in Spain and Europe.
Artists impression of the new Amorebieta Power Plant, Spain
