World-Leading Keadby 2 Turbine Arrives in North Lincolnshire

June 2, 2020 | Alternative Energy | Energy Facts Staff Writer | 3min

SSE’s Keadby 2 project reached a major milestone as the turbine for the 840MW power station arrived at the construction site in North Lincolnshire, following a two-week journey from Berlin.

The first-of-a-kind Siemens Energy turbine travelled by sea and through the Humber Estuary, before docking at the Keadby Railway Wharf and travelling the short distance to the construction site.

Keadby 2 is expected to become the cleanest and most efficient gas-fired power station in Europe when completed in 2022, with the capacity to power around 840,000 homes.

The power station will achieve 63% efficiency, enabling the UK to move away from older, more carbon-intensive generation. With the ability to reach full power in just 30 minutes, it will also provide important flexibility for the electricity system, complementing the increasing amounts of renewable generation on the gird.

Minister of State for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP said: “Supporting clean energy growth is vital to growing the economy, and will help us achieve our world-leading target to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Today marks an important step forward in this project, which will help to boost the regional economy and create valuable new jobs for the people of North Lincolnshire.”

Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg, Goole and the Isle of Axholme said: “This is a fantastic step forward for the project, especially considering the current challenges provided by Covid-19. These works are a boost to the local economy and once completed the plant will provide ongoing employment to local people.”

Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director, SSE Thermal, said: “The arrival of the turbine to site is a major milestone in the construction phase and a great achievement for the entire project team. The construction of Keadby 2 is a key part of our strategy to decarbonise our thermal power generation and complement the growth of renewables as we transition to a net zero energy system. We’re also exploring the potential for further decarbonisation in the Humber region through carbon capture and hydrogen solutions as routes to market develop.”

Steve Scrimshaw, CEO Siemens Energy UK&I said: “I’m delighted to see the turbine arrive on site as it marks an important step in the project’s development. The turbine will be the most efficient in the UK and one of the most efficient anywhere in the world. It will play a vital role in securing the UK’s energy supplies as we move to meet net zero targets.”

Construction at the Keadby 2 site is progressing, however, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, new ways of working have been put in place to meet the Government guidance on social distancing, as well as the Site Operating Procedures guidance from the Construction Industries Council. The site changes and mechanisms put in place are being audited on a regular basis by both SSE Thermal and Siemens to ensure highest standards are being maintained.