Shoreham power station emitted one million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere last year.

Figures reveal the station, famed for its 350ft tower, is the worst polluter in Sussex.

The building, owned by Scottish Power, uses gas and steam turbines to provide electricity more efficiently.

However, its emissions of carbon dioxide almost doubled that of its nearest South Coast rival, Fawley power station near Southampton.

The carbon dioxide emissions figures of more than 700 industrial sites across Britain were released by the European commission on Monday.

EDF Energy, which owns and maintains the electricity network feeding homes across Sussex, was named the fifth worst polluter in the whole of the UK.

It was one of five companies which together produce more pollution than all the motorists on UK roads combined.

EDF Energy, which has the bulk of its power stations based in Nottinghamshire, was responsible for emitting 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Scottish Power came seventh on the list, releasing 13 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in total.

A spokesman for EDF Energy said: "We support the transition towards a low-carbon future but energy generation is only one aspect of this transition - energy efficiency, transport and other industries must also play their part.

"Addressing climate change is very important to EDF Energy but it sits alongside other priorities of ensuring the UK has enough power at an affordable price for consumers.

"For now, coal-fired generation is a vital part of ensuring UK security of supply."

The average person is responsible for nine tonnes of carbon emissions annually, three tonnes more than a flight from London to Sydney.

The country's biggest polluter EON UK, which owns Powergen, produced 26.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide last year - more than the whole of Croatia.

On average the country's 26 million cars produce 91 million tonnes each year.

Scottish Power was unavailable to comment.

Thursday, May 18, 2006