The Keadby 2 project took an important step forward as the turbine for the 840MW power station arrived at the construction site in North Lincolnshire, following a two-week journey from Berlin.
The combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT), which is 13 metres long, 5.3 metres wide and 5.5 metres 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 will achieve up to 63% efficiency, enabling the UK to move away from coal in the 2020s 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 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.
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 on-going employment to local people."
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.”
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.”
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. 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 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.
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