Construction starts this week on Centrica’s new back-up power plant at Peterborough power station.
The 50MW gas-fired plant will play a key role in supporting local peaks in demand, producing enough energy to meet the needs of around 50,000 homes.
The new plant will be made up of five small reciprocating engines that will typically be used on weekdays to meet periods of high demand or to provide back-up power when it’s needed.
David Theakstone, Generation Manager at Peterborough power station said: “Preparation works at the Peterborough plant have been exciting for us. We’re now ready for construction to get underway. This fast response plant will help to meet local energy demand, while supporting the changing way electricity is generated.”
A team of up to 95 people will be on site during construction, which is expected to take around 15 months. The plant will be operational in Q4 2018.
This project forms part of a £180m investment programme into new flexible power facilities across the country. It will operate as a ‘peaking plant’, able to go from a cold start to full power in less than two minutes.
To find out more and keep up to date on construction, go to www.centrica.com/peterborough.