The 300ft chimney stack at Methil Power Station has been reduced to rubble today following a controlled explosive demolition. It marks the end of an association between the town of Methil and the coal slurry-fired power station that has been prominent in the East Fife skyline for nearly half a century.
The power station became operational in 1965 and was one of only a few power plants in the UK designed to run on ‘waste coal’. The waste coal was transported to the station by road and rail from surrounding coalfields. In 2000 Methil stopped electricity generation but was kept as part of ScottishPower’s strategic reserve.
The demolition programme officially started in April 2010, and the site should be fully cleared by the end of this year. The chimney stack was the last main remaining structure on the site, following a similar explosive removal of the boiler house in April. ScottishPower currently leases the land from Forth Ports, who will be responsible for determining the future use of the site.
Dylan Hughes, Project Manager for ScottishPower, said: “Months of detailed planning has gone in to the demolition today. This has been led by our contractors Brown and Mason who have carried out a wide range of surveys to consider all aspects of the operation, from the exact placement and size of the explosives required, to consideration of noise levels and vibration as well as ecological management. We would also like to thank the local Police force who have worked closely with us to ensure that the operation could be planned safely, and that the exclusion zone could be managed in a such a way as to allow residents to watch the demolition take place.
“We are sad to see the end of the power station in Methil, which has played an important role in generating electricity for the East Fife area for nearly half a century. The station and the chimney stack in particular has been a major part of the local landscape. Many people in the local area will be sad to see it go as well, but I’m equally sure that many will also be glad to see it removed. We hope that the area can be put to good use in the future.”
Media information: Paul Ferguson 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665924