The development near Ebbw Vale has been opposed by 3,000 residents and business people who are concerned at the impact of such a major development.

Graham Hunter believes his company would suffer

Power company Enron has earmarked a 17-acre site at the Rassau industrial estate for the project, which would create 1,000 construction jobs and 145 full-time workers.

But opponents of the scheme claim it would have a detrimental effect on local businesses and the quality of life.

The campaigners will attempt to persuade Blaenau Gwent council, which meets to discuss the plans on Wednesday, to reject them.

But the final decision is likely to lie with the Department of the Trade and Industry in London.

The dirt, dust and pollution will adversely effect how we operate on this site

Graham Hunter, Coils UK Ltd

The scheme is intended to reduce the reliance on importing energy supplies into Wales.

But coal producers Tower Colliery and Celtic Energy have also expressed concern at the plans, saying the project would impact on their business.

Workers at Tower - Europe's only worker-owned colliery - have been celebrating a contract won this week to supply Aberthaw power station, near Rhoose, south Wales, securing 400 jobs.

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Graham Hunter of Coils UK Ltd said his firm's business on the industrial estate would be badly effected by Enron's proposals.

"We have been working a number of years building up the customer base and we do not want to see that lost," said Mr Hunter.

"The construction of the power station will take three years. The dirt, dust and pollution will adversely effect how we operate on this site."