Centrica transforms Brigg Power Station into a 150MW energy park with peaking plants and battery storage, boosting UK energy resilience.
Centrica has successfully revitalized the former Brigg Power Station site in Lincolnshire, turning it into a state-of-the-art energy facility with a total capacity of 150 megawatts (MW). Originally decommissioned in 2020 after nearly three decades of service, the site now plays a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s shift towards a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
At the heart of the transformation is the development of a new 50MW peaking plant, housed within the former turbine hall. Peaking plants operate during periods of high electricity demand or when renewable energy sources are unable to meet consumption needs. This new addition complements the existing 50MW peaking plant built earlier on the same site, doubling Brigg’s generation capacity to 100MW. The newly installed engines, developed by sustainable tech leader Wärtsilä, are built for efficiency and are set to be part of a hydrogen blending trial slated to begin later this year, further advancing low-carbon energy solutions.
Centrica’s Group Chief Executive, Chris O’Shea, emphasized the importance of energy security, affordability, and sustainability, stating: “The Brigg Energy Park is instrumental in strengthening energy resilience and ensuring we meet future energy demands in a manner aligned with our commitment to sustainability. As the UK transitions to an increasingly electrified and renewable energy system, infrastructure like Brigg will be essential.”
Further enhancing the capabilities of the site, Centrica has also completed the installation of a 50MW battery energy storage system. This two-hour duration battery project represents the company's largest investment in battery storage to date. The battery system allows the park to store excess renewable electricity when demand is low and release it during peak demand periods. This capability smooths out the inherent fluctuations of renewable generation and helps balance the national grid more effectively.
Altogether, Brigg Energy Park’s combined 150MW capacity is sufficient to power approximately 100,000 homes during periods of peak demand—such as mornings and evenings—when energy consumption typically spikes.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP praised the redevelopment, noting: “This transformation at Brigg is a prime example of leveraging existing infrastructure and skilled workforce to help Britain become a global clean energy leader. Projects like this enhance grid flexibility, support our clean energy goals, and contribute to job creation and economic growth.”
Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin also welcomed the project, highlighting the Centrica team's ongoing innovation in repurposing legacy assets. “Their efforts have led to a facility that plays a key role in delivering electricity during high-demand periods. I commend Centrica for making their largest-ever investment in battery technology right here in our local community,” he remarked.
Brigg Energy Park now stands as a powerful symbol of how modern technology, strategic investment, and visionary leadership can breathe new life into aging infrastructure, all while aligning with national ambitions for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy landscape.
