SSE plc to invest £350m in new North Lincolnshire power station

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Scottish energy company SSE plc will invest £350 million into state-of-the-art technology for a new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant in North Lincolnshire.

The energy provider recently announced plans for capital and investment of £6 billion across the UK and Ireland over the next five years, which includes £350 million for a new CCGT power station in Keadby.

Following the energy firm’s partnership with Siemens, the plant in Keadby, which is just off the A18 west of Scunthorpe, will use high efficiency gas-fired generation technology.

The project, known as Keadby 2, was originally granted planning permission back in 1993, with the construction phase due to start this Spring.

Consolidated parameter layout plan. Photo: SSE Plc

The new power station is expected to take approximately three and a half years to build.

Siemens will provide the 9000HL technology and once operational, it will be capable of generating up to 840 megawatts of electricity.

SSE plc already operates a 735 megawatts CCGT at Keadby, which employs 52 people, as well as the adjacent £98 million Keadby Wind Farm.

This comes after it was recently announced that profits at SSE fell last year as it lost 430,000 customers, with exceptional charges linked to the merger of its retail arm with rival Npower.

Director of Construction for SSE Charlie Cryans said: “We are delighted to be able to work with Siemens to deliver this industry leading project. An investment of this size shows SSE’s commitment to the North Lincolnshire area and we are keen to work with local stakeholders to maximise opportunities where possible.”

Ward member for Axholme North councillor John Briggs said: “I am keen to ensure that the area is able to realise the benefits of this project, I will promote the use of our local workforce in both the construction and future operations of Keadby 2.

“Furthermore, I will encourage the use of local steel and local contractors in the build phase. Hosting leading technology of this kind in North Lincolnshire will be an excellent opportunity.”