POWER station bosses have urged protestors to think of its workers ahead of a planned protest at Aberthaw tomorrow (Saturday, January 28).

More than 100 demonstrators from direct action groups Reclaim the Power, United Valleys Action Group (UVAG), the Coal Action Network, and Bristol Rising Tide are expected to march on Aberthaw Power Station after 1pm.

The protestors are calling for the station’s closure and investment in green jobs as well as a transition to renewable energy in South Wales.

Trade union representatives, renewable energy companies, air quality and climate campaigners are expected to speak at the rally with people travelling from South Wales and further afield.

Chris Austin, from the United Valleys Action Group and Residents Against Ffos-y-fran said: "We need to put something positive in place of Aberthaw. It is inevitable Aberthaw is going to close.

"Renewable energy could provide thousands of jobs if only the governments would take the blinkers off and look to the future instead of the past.

"The UK and Welsh governments need to invest in Green jobs to provide alternative, highly skilled employment and put mechanisms in place now for Aberthaw workers to be re-skilled. You can't just sling them out. That isn't fair.”

But RWE has said it is making a £5million investment in technology that would significantly lower the station’s NOx emissions.

A spokesman said that fewer operating hours and a lowering of emissions would ensure Aberthaw Power Station could provide security of electricity supply for Wales and beyond into the 2020s.

The station’s generation levels would be scaled back this summer to ensure it can continue to provide electricity competitively while operating within its Environmental Permit.

The company said that for more than 200 men and women who work at the site, the impact of the changed operations mean that staff structures are being updated and that it is "a challenging time for them".

Aberthaw Power Station manager, Richard Little said: “The site is fully prepared for the proposed march this weekend.

"We respect people’s right to protest. However we hope that the activities will be peaceful and will not have any impact on planned generation.

"The station will be providing electricity for millions of Welsh homes on what will be one of the coldest weekends of the year.

"Our staff are mostly local and proud of their role in providing support to their local communities, helping to keep the lights on. I would ask protestors to think about these hard working men and women and consider the important role they play.”