In an IFRF blogpost in August 2018, we reported that UK and Irish electricity utility company SSE were planning to build a second combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station at Keadby in North Lincolnshire, UK. 

On 2nd June this year, construction of the 840MWe unit – named ‘Keadby 2’ – reached a major milestone with the arrival on site of the turbine and generator set from manufacturer Siemens’ Berlin factory, following a two-week journey. 

The gas (combustion) turbine, which is 13m long, 5.3m wide and 5.5m tall, travelled by sea and through the Humber Estuary to reach the new power station site.  The vessel docked at the Keadby Railway Wharf, where the turbine and generator were lifted onto a transporter to travel the short distance to the site. 

Once completed, the CCGT – based around Siemens’ first-of-a-kind SGT5-9000HL gas turbine – is expected to achieve up to 63% efficiency, assisting the UK in its move away from coal-fired power generation by 2025 and to integrate more renewables into the power grid.  It will have the capacity to power around 840,000 homes and is well-sited to contribute to the broader industrial decarbonisation of the UK’s Humber region.  

Keadby 2 is expected to become the cleanest and most efficient gas-fired power station in Europe when completed in 2022.  In addition, the station will also be capable of being upgraded to decarbonise its generation through using carbon capture or hydrogen technology, as routes to market develop. 

“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,” said UK Minister of State for Regional Growth and Local Government, Simon Clarke MP.  “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.” 

Steve Scrimshaw, CEO of Siemens Energy UK&I added: “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.” 

“The arrival of the turbine to site is a major milestone in the construction phase and a great achievement for the entire project team,” said Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director, SSE Thermal.  “This first-of-a-kind turbine will make Keadby 2 the UK’s cleanest and most efficient gas-fired power station, displacing older, more carbon-intensive generation, and providing vital flexibility for the electricity system.  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.” 

Construction at the Keadby 2 site is progressing, however, in light of the Covid-19 situation, new ways of working have been put in place to meet the UK government’s 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.