Uskmouth B Power Station, Newport

Uskmouth Power Station, Newport

Opening in 1959 Uskmouth B is one of the UK’s oldest remaining coal-fired power station. The station was also described as the UK’s least efficient plant before it was closed pending a conversion to biomass in 2015.

Uskmouth ExternalThe power station is a fantastic example of 1950s architecture. The main buildings are brick, the use of which was phased out shortly after construction in favour of metal-clad steel structures. The station’s single stack is one of the finest remaining fluted chimneys in the UK.

The power station originally had three English Electric generating sets, producing a total of 363 MW of electricity. The station was commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), and was handed over to National Power when the electricity industry was privatised in 1990.

Unit 14 generator and turbine set
Unit 14 generator and turbine set
Precipitators at Uskmouth B Power Station
Precipitators at Uskmouth B Power Station

The station closed in 1995, and was subsequently purchased by AES in 1998. The station underwent a £120 million refurbishment which was completed by 2001. The refurbishment increased the generating power to 393 MW and new environmental equipment was installed to bring it up to date with legislative requirements.

April 2017 explosion damage
April 2017 explosion damage

One of the three 131 MW generators was mothballed in 2013, and a year later the entire power station was closed. The station was subsequently sold with plans to convert the boilers to fire Biomass. Uskmouth B re-opened briefly, still burning coal until an explosion caused extensive damage to the station’s switch house in April 2017. The station did not re-open following the explosion and is now being decommissioned.

Buildings and Plant Detail

Uskmouth TurbinesTurbine Hall

Uskmouth has three turbo-generators although one set has been retired.

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Uskmouth BoilersBoiler House and Coal Delivery

The boiler house, conveyors and mills at Uskmouth.

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Uskmouth Control RoomsControl Rooms

Uskmouth has three identical control rooms – one for each unit.

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Uskmouth Services and FacilitiesPlant Services & Worker Facilities

Various services around the site and facilities for workers.

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Uskmouth Image Gallery

Visit the plant detail pages above to view more images from each area of the power plant

Uskmouth B power station behind the coal stacks
Uskmouth B power station behind the coal stacks

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