ENERGY company InterGen has unveiled plans to build a £600million gas-fired power station at the London Gateway superport site.

The 900-megawatt facility would be 50 per cent more environmentally-friendly than traditional coal-powered plants, and would produce enough electricity to supply a million homes, as well as meeting all the power needs of the planned superport and logistics park.

The plans, which are still in the early stages, would also see 60 jobs created, but up to 600 construction positions could be up for grabs while the plant is being built.

InterGen already operates the existing 800-megawatt gas-fired Coryton power station, less than a mile away from the proposed site of the new power station, at DP World London Gateway, near Stanford-le-Hope.

Thousands of local residents are now being encouraged to have their say about the proposals by attending one of two roadshows about the scheme, to be held next week.

The first, on Tuesday, will be held at Corringham Village Hall, in Springhouse Road, from 2pm to 8pm. The second will be held the following day at East Thurrock Community Association, Corringham Road, between the same times.

Melissa McKerrow, spokeswoman for InterGen, said: “Representatives from the project team will be available at the exhibitions to discuss the proposed plant, answer any questions, and provide detailed display material showing what the proposed project would look like.

“Invitations are being sent to the 3,800 homes nearest the site and adverts will be placed in local newspapers.”

The plans will have to undergo public consultation before being finalised and submitted to the Government.

Government chiefs will then consult with a range of interested organisations and individuals – including Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, Thurrock Council, the Environment Agency and local residents – before reaching a decision.

Foundation work for the deep sea shipping superport, set to be the largest port of its kind in Europe, is to start shortly.

Plans for the £1.5billion port and logistics park are back on track following uncertainty due to the economic climate in Dubai.