The 450MW flexible generation gas engine plant, which is currently under construction, will help stabilise the UK electricity grid. It will also be co-located with a 300MW battery energy storage system (BESS) to provide instant response to grid fluctuations.

While the plant will operate primarily on pipeline gas, it can run on a variety of fuel blends, including biomethane and hydrogen.

The Jenbacher J624 gas engines can reportedly start up in under five minutes, meaning the facility can rapidly generate power when renewable output drops. The scalable design enables operation from 2.25MW up to the full 450MW capacity.

Ben Wilson, Managing Director of Rehlko’s UK-based subsidiary Clarke Energy, said the engines will provide “unmatched responsiveness and scalability, ensuring reliable power when and where it’s needed.”

With full operations targeted for late 2026, Stratera has said the project will “have the capacity to power up to one million UK homes.”

“Once operational, it will be the UK’s largest flexible generation project, providing critical capacity to balance the grid and enable the transition to a renewables-led energy system,” explained Stratera Energy’s Matt Arnold.

“We selected Clarke Energy and INNIO Group’s Jenbacher technology for their rapid deployment capabilities, fuel flexibility, and exceptional start-up performance – essential features for meeting the UK’s evolving energy demands,” Arnold added.