YLEM Energy completes 7MW gas peaker plant in UK

Energy solutions supplier YLEM Energy has announced the completion of a new natural gas peaking plant in Wheatley, Oxfordshire, UK.

The plant will generate 7MW of electricity to balance the fluctuating power in the electricity network and operate when demand is high or when there is a shortfall.

The plant runs on hydrogen-ready generators and will be at full capacity by July this year.

Including this plant, YLEM Energy has a total peaking capacity of 100MW from a portfolio of 19 sites across England and Wales.

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According to YLEM, as renewable energy generation is prone to fluctuation in supply, it is necessary to support the grid during these periods.

Ian Gadsby, managing director of YLEM Energy, said in a statement: “As we continue to increase the number of renewable energy generation projects, it is vital that we have the additional infrastructure of support for the electricity network. Businesses need to be able to rely on the grid to keep their operations running, and our peaking portfolio is an important way to guarantee 24/7 supply.”

Construction of the peaking plant began in 2022, with the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) role delivered solely by YLEM Energy.

Currently, the UK has 32 operating gas-fired combined cycle power plants with a total generating capacity of 28GW.