THE part of Didcot B Power Station damaged by a fire last week is to start generating electricity again this morning.

The blaze seriously damaged four cooling towers at the gas-fired plant on October 19 and an investigation is still under way into its cause.

Now the damaged module is expected to be switched back on – although the station is unlikely to return to its usual 1,360MW output, npower has said.

The module, number 5, will only be producing about half of its capacity.

Module 6 was undamaged in the fire and has continued to produce electricity.

Engineers at the site this morning are carrying out a series of checks as they bring the units back online.

Roger Miesen, head of Hard Coal and Gas, on the RWE Generation board said, ‘It’s good news that Module 5 is back online so quickly.

"Didcot B, as part of RWE Generation’s wider fleet, has an important part to play in contributing to the UK’s security of supply.

‘Our thanks go out for the fantastic response and dedication of the emergency services who worked alongside RWE teams to bring the fire under control quickly and safely. Huge credit is also due to the RWE site and central engineering teams whose expertise meant that we are able to bring Module 5 back into service after only nine days.’

It is expected the repair bill for the cooling towers will be up to £10 million.

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