Hydrogen-ready gas engines Power 450 MW Thurrock Flexible Generation Facility

Project Launch: A New Era for UK Grid Flexibility

It’s all happening just as the UK pushes toward Net Zero: Statera Energy has broken ground on a 450 MW flexible power generation site in Thurrock, Essex. Teaming up with INNIO Group and overseen by Clarke Energy, they’re fitting the plant with INNIO Jenbacher hydrogen-ready gas engines that promise steady, low-carbon power. Located about 25 miles east of London, Thurrock’s industrial past—from oil refineries to bustling ports—now gives way to clean energy innovation. The core mission is straightforward: deliver grid-balancing services that run on natural gas today and shift seamlessly to 100% hydrogen once supply chains catch up. It’s a simple idea with big punch: smooth out renewable hiccups with dispatchable power that gets greener over time, boosting both the environment and the local economy.

The Idea is Simple but Powerful: Adaptive Engine Technology

At the core of this venture sit 20 INNIO Jenbacher hydrogen-ready gas engines, each cranking out about 22.5 MW and together hitting an impressive 450 MW. These reciprocating engines rely on proven cylinder and control tech to run smoothly on natural gas today, while being built to accept hydrogen blends up to 100%. When the time comes to go full hydrogen, operators simply swap in updated fuel injectors and tweak the control logic—no massive overhaul needed. Thanks to a modular design, maintenance is a breeze: parts get swapped fast, downtime shrinks and availability stays sky-high. It’s flexible power generation at its best, letting the plant kick off clean and get greener as the hydrogen economy ramps up without tearing out existing infrastructure.

Solving Real-World Problems: Grid Stability and Renewable Integration

With wind turbines and solar panels now generating over 40% of the UK’s electricity, having a quick-response backup is vital for UK grid stability. The Thurrock plant fires up from cold standby to full load in under five minutes, delivering essential frequency response, spinning reserve and peak shaving whenever supply dips. That speed cuts blackout risks, avoids costly grid upgrades and smooths the ride for renewables. Think of it as the power network’s shock absorber—soaking up supply-demand swings so solar and wind can keep the lights on without missing a beat.

Made in the UK, Made for the UK’s Future

Construction and commissioning are in Clarke Energy’s capable hands here in Thurrock—an area bursting with industrial know-how and solid energy infrastructure. By tapping into Thurrock’s port, gas pipelines and pool of skilled local workers, this project will create over 150 jobs during peak construction and around 25 permanent roles once it’s operational. Local civil engineers and electrical contractors supply foundations, cabling and switchgear, keeping that made in the UK, made for the UK’s future ethos alive. This local-first approach not only speeds up delivery and trims logistics costs but also invests in the workforce, offering apprenticeships and training to equip people with next-gen energy skills long after the plant is live.

Environmental Impact: A Bridge to a Low-Carbon Tomorrow

The plant will kick off on natural gas, but here’s the clever part: for every percent of hydrogen blended into the mix, emissions drop proportionally—so you see real wins right from day one. Once the switch flips to pure hydrogen, the facility will run with zero direct CO₂ emissions, ticking off one big climate goal in a single bound. This stepwise decarbonization fits neatly with the UK’s ambition to slash power-sector emissions by 70% by 2035 under the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy. And it doesn’t stop there. The design also integrates seamlessly with energy storage systems and demand-response programs, meaning excess renewable energy can be stored or shifted to times of high demand, further dialing down fossil-fuel reliance. In short, this plant is more than just a bridge—it’s a transformative leap toward a truly low-carbon power landscape.

Looking Ahead: Tapping into Hydrogen’s Potential

This isn’t just a stopgap—it’s a blueprint for tomorrow’s energy infrastructure. Under the UK’s emerging Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to ramp up multi-gigawatt hydrogen production in the coming years, Thurrock is primed to dial in more hydrogen as supply grows. Picture offshore wind farms powering electrolyzers for green hydrogen or carbon capture projects feeding in blue hydrogen—both blending into the engines to steadily cut carbon output. It’s a clear market signal that “hydrogen-ready” isn’t just a buzzword but a practical, cost-effective path to deep decarbonization. Similar schemes are popping up across Europe, but here in the UK, we’re staking our claim as leaders in hydrogen-ready, flexible power generation.

Conclusion: A Bright Forecast for UK Energy

The collaboration between Statera Energy, INNIO Group and Clarke Energy at Thurrock feels like a true game-changer for the UK’s energy transition. With its hydrogen-ready gas engines and lightning-fast ramp-up, this 450 MW facility is set to shore up UK grid stability, unlock deeper renewable integration and chart a clear path toward a low-carbon power system aligned with our net-zero targets. Once it’s up and running—delivering electricity for around 3,500 hours a year—it’ll help smooth out peaks, manage demand and bridge the gap between today’s needs and tomorrow’s hydrogen economy.