VIDEO: Npower says Tilbury biomass blaze ‘under control’

Npower has confirmed that a blaze which broke out at its Tilbury power station in Essex is under control and that the plants three generators unit are being emptied of remaining biomass.


An npower spokesperson told edie that it would be launching an internal investigation to “determine the cause of the incident and will be reviewing the extent of the damage to the station over the coming days”, adding that it is a “one-off incident”.

The fire which broke out yesterday morning (February 27) was brought under control by early afternoon. However, emergency services remained on site overnight and are expected to continue to closely monitor the situation.

Three of the plant’s units are currently being emptied of fuel, with units 9 and 10, where the fire occurred, being powered by unit 8, which npower said is “currently generating energy in order to safely empty its hopper of any remaining biomass”.

According to npower, the firefighting operations were “challenging” as a result of the location of fire high up in the main structure of the building, making it difficult for fire crews to reach it. However, foam was applied to the fire, helping to bring it under control.

Npower added that it follows a strict code of conduct and has “clear, well-rehearsed procedures and processes in place to deal with a situation such as this one”. It is not yet known when the plant will be operational again.

Carys Matthews

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