Aberthaw "Massive Burden on Society"

Aberthaw power station costs society in Wales £400 million more in environmental and health pollution than any benefit from employment and electricity generation [1]. That’s the conclusion of a new report by campaigners Friends of the Earth Cymru, which highlights just how damaging the power station is to communities in Wales.

The toxic pollution from Aberthaw is estimated to cost in the region of £440 million in health and environmental costs, while the climate-changing effect of the power station’s carbon dioxide emissions is calculated at £510 million.  

Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gareth Clubb, said:

“This is one of the most polluting power stations in the whole of the UK. The toxic gases pouring out of its chimneys put a massive burden on society through enormous environmental damage and serious health impacts, particularly on people with respiratory ailments.

“This is the first analysis of the scale of the damage caused by Aberthaw. People living downwind of Aberthaw, including in Barry, Cardiff, Newport and Bristol, will be horrified by the knowledge that their health could well be directly impacted by the fumes gushing out of this power station.

“This is also one of the biggest sources of mercury pollution in the UK. Mercury is known to be tremendously damaging to people’s health, especially to developing foetuses.

“Aberthaw power station has been hauled before the European Court of Justice for its refusal to meet pollution limits. It’s high time the Welsh Government took action and pushed Westminster to close Aberthaw.

“Every year it continues to operate will mean hundreds of millions of pounds of damage to Welsh people and our environment”.

ENDS