Swiss firm Alpiq is aiming to start construction of a new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in France following approval of the project by the French authorities.
Alpiq subsidiary Centrale à Cycle Combiné de l’Artois (3CA) is to build the new facility in Monchy-au-Bois, northern France and says that construction could start by the end of 2011 if financing arrangements and contracts with suppliers are in place.
The new plant is expected to bolster the security of electricity supplies in France and could be connected to the grid by 2014. Negotiations with turbine manufacturers are already underway, said Alpiq in a statement.
