Centrica has transformed the site of an ageing power station in Lincolnshire into an ultra-modern 150 megawatt (MW) energy park.
The former turbine hall at the Brigg Power Station, which was decommissioned in 2020 after nearly 30 years of operations, is now home to a new 50MW peaking plant.
Peaking plants only operate when there’s high or peak demand for electricity, or when generation from renewables is too low to meet demand. The new peaking plant is the second to be constructed at Brigg, doubling the capacity of power generation at the site to 100MW.
The new engines, designed and manufactured by sustainable technology business Wärtsilä, are highly efficient, and will be used in a trial to blend hydrogen into the plant which is due to start later this year.
In addition, Centrica has completed construction of a 50MW two hour battery system on the site, representing the largest investment in battery storage capacity the company has made to date.
Storing renewable energy in this way makes it possible to better control the peaks and troughs associated with renewable energy generation – charging the batteries when electricity demand is low and discharging when demand peaks.
With a combined capacity of 150MW, Brigg Energy Park now provides the electricity network with resilience, facilitating the continued expansion of clean, green renewable energy the UK needs, and is capable of powering around 100,000 homes during periods of peak demand, such as mornings and early evenings.
Chris O’Shea, group chief executive of Centrica, said: “The energy transition will only be successful if it’s secure, affordable and sustainable. The Brigg Energy Park plays a vital role in all three of these providing a level of resilience that underpins our energy future – a future that’s increasingly electrified and renewable.
“Battery storage and fast response gas fired peaking plants are essential in ensuring every
home and business has access to a reliable electricity supply, even when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.”
Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin welcomed the development: “The Centrica team at Brigg have been consistently creative in getting the best out of ageing assets. The plant makes a significant contribution to energy production at peak times, and I am delighted to welcome the biggest investment by Centrica here in the local site. Congratulations to all involved.”
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