INNIO Group and equipment supplier Clarke Energy are collaborating on the development of a high-speed gas engine power plant in Thurrock, near London. The project, led by Statera Energy, represents one of the largest installations of its kind globally. Full commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2026, with a projected capacity of 450 megawatts (MW).
The plant is designed to deliver modular power generation in response to demand fluctuations. According to released data, it could supply electricity to up to one million homes in southeast England. Its role is presented as critical to the stability of a grid experiencing significant growth in renewable energy and increasing electricity demand in the Greater London area.
A response to grid flexibility needs
The chosen technology is based on INNIO’s “Ready for H2” Jenbacher engines, capable of starting in under five minutes. This rapid response capability is intended to address fluctuations in electricity supply, particularly during variable wind and solar generation. The engines will primarily operate on natural gas but are designed to accommodate blends including biomethane and hydrogen, thus widening operational flexibility.
In official statements, INNIO Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Olaf Berlien emphasised that the project sets a new benchmark for energy flexibility in the United Kingdom. Matt Arnold, Director of Battery Energy Storage Systems and Flexible Generation at Statera Energy, stated that the facility marks a significant step in building assets capable of supporting renewable energy growth.
An investment to strengthen electrical resilience
The Thurrock power plant is part of a broader investment strategy to strengthen supply security amid the ongoing transformation of the energy mix. The approach aims to develop infrastructure that can operate swiftly and adapt to market needs while integrating scalable technologies.
With the addition of modular generation capacity, authorities aim to reduce stress on the UK electricity grid and prepare for expected demand fluctuations in the coming years. The characteristics of the Thurrock facility reflect this intention to reinforce regional supply with solutions capable of responding in real time to operational demands.
