INNIO Powers UK Grid Stability with Landmark Project Near London
INNIO Group, in collaboration with Clarke Energy, is spearheading one of the world’s largest high-speed gas engine peaking power plants in Thurrock, England — a flagship initiative that underscores the UK’s commitment to grid flexibility and energy security. The agreement, signed in 2024, represents a significant milestone for both companies as they work with Statera Energy, a leading developer, owner, and operator of flexible energy assets in the UK.
The 450-megawatt (MW) Thurrock Flexible Generation Project will play a pivotal role in the UK’s evolving energy system. Once fully operational in late 2026, the facility will have the capacity to supply electricity to approximately one million homes in Southeast England, directly supporting the region’s growing energy demand while reinforcing the nation’s energy resilience strategy. Located near London, the site is strategically positioned to help stabilize power supply in and around the capital, ensuring consistent performance during periods of variable renewable generation and high electricity demand.
Supporting the UK’s Transition to Renewables
As the United Kingdom accelerates its transition toward a low-carbon future, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have become central to its power mix. However, their intermittent nature poses a persistent challenge to grid stability. Peaking plants — facilities capable of ramping up production quickly during times of high demand — are essential to bridging this gap.
The Thurrock project embodies this role perfectly. Its primary function is to provide rapid-response power during peak usage periods or when renewable output fluctuates. This responsiveness ensures that the grid remains stable, reliable, and efficient, even as more variable renewable sources are integrated.
Dr. Olaf Berlien, President and CEO of INNIO Group, highlighted the project’s importance in advancing the UK’s energy goals.
“This project sets a new benchmark for grid flexibility in the UK. With scalable, reliable, and future-ready energy, we’re helping accelerate the UK’s shift toward a more resilient power infrastructure,” he stated.
Statera’s Vision for Energy Flexibility
For Statera Energy, the Thurrock Power facility marks a defining achievement in its mission to deliver large-scale, cost-effective energy flexibility. The company has built a reputation for developing technologies that ensure energy systems remain balanced and secure in a decarbonizing environment.
Matt Arnold, Director of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Flexible Generation at Statera Energy, emphasized the project’s strategic value.
“Thurrock Power is a key milestone in Statera’s mission to deliver cost-effective flexibility at scale. As the UK’s largest flexible generation site, it will help balance the grid and support renewables. Clarke Energy and INNIO’s Jenbacher technology offer speed, fuel flexibility, and reliability – key for energy security in a decarbonizing system.”
Statera’s broader portfolio includes large-scale energy storage and flexible generation assets that complement the growth of renewables. By ensuring on-demand power is available when wind and solar resources dip, projects like Thurrock enable the UK to maintain a stable and secure electricity supply while progressing toward its net-zero targets.
Advanced Technology from INNIO and Clarke Energy
At the heart of the Thurrock facility lies INNIO’s Jenbacher gas engine technology, known for its high efficiency, rapid response, and fuel flexibility. These engines are engineered to start up in under five minutes — a critical advantage for stabilizing the grid during sudden shifts in power supply or demand.
INNIO’s energy solution delivers high electrical efficiency even at partial loads, offering both economic and operational benefits. The ability to scale output up or down efficiently helps maximize cost-effectiveness while minimizing emissions. This agility makes Jenbacher engines an ideal choice for hybrid energy systems that must balance renewable variability with dependable backup power.
A key feature of the project is the use of “Ready for H₂” Jenbacher engines, which will initially operate on natural gas but are designed to transition seamlessly to low-carbon fuels such as biomethane and hydrogen. This future-proofing aligns with the UK’s long-term decarbonization objectives and provides a clear pathway toward cleaner power generation.
Clarke Energy, INNIO’s long-term partner, will deliver engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) expertise to ensure that the Thurrock plant meets stringent performance, safety, and environmental standards. The collaboration draws on Clarke Energy’s deep experience in gas-to-power infrastructure and INNIO’s technological innovation in distributed power systems.
Driving Energy Resilience and a Low-Carbon Future
The UK’s energy landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by the twin imperatives of sustainability and reliability. As more renewable capacity connects to the grid, flexible generation assets like the Thurrock plant become increasingly vital. They not only stabilize the grid but also reduce the need for high-emission baseload power sources.
By leveraging high-speed gas engines capable of running on cleaner fuels, the project embodies the transition from conventional fossil-based systems to adaptive, hybrid energy architectures. This flexibility ensures the UK can continue adding renewable capacity without compromising reliability.
Furthermore, the project’s ability to operate on multiple fuels enhances energy security by diversifying supply sources — a key advantage amid fluctuating global energy markets. When paired with battery storage and digital grid management systems, this flexibility will help the UK create a more intelligent, decarbonized power system.
A Blueprint for Future Energy Infrastructure
The Thurrock Flexible Generation Project sets a precedent for how technology, investment, and innovation can converge to strengthen national energy systems. It illustrates how advanced gas engine technology can complement renewables and support the transition to hydrogen and other sustainable fuels.
As part of the UK’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, projects like this serve as essential building blocks for energy security, flexibility, and economic resilience. By the time the facility reaches full operation in late 2026, it will stand as one of the largest and most advanced flexible generation plants globally — a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration between technology innovators like INNIO, engineering leaders like Clarke Energy, and forward-thinking developers like Statera Energy.
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