The Rye House power station uses a robust plant design and modular 3 gas turbine to 1 steam turbine system, enabling flexible energy generation to meet demands. With three independent Siemens V94.2 gas turbines that can run separately or together as needed, the configuration ensures stable power supply and peak output.

The combined gas cycle plant was built on the site of an earlier, and now demolished, coal fired power station. In operation since 1993, the new 715MW facility. Rye House has undergone a major life extension investment programme which will see it supporting the transition to NetZero into the next decade

Just 18 miles north of London, Rye House is strategically positioned to serve as a reliable grid asset and take advantage of balancing market opportunities when needed.

In operation since 2004 with further expansion in 2009, VPI’s Immingham combined heat and power (CHP) plant has been providing energy to homes and businesses ever since. With three GE gas turbines and three steam turbines in an efficient modular design, the facility reliably delivers 1.2GW of flexible generation capacity to the National Grid and provides energy to two of UK’s largest refineries. Known as one of Europe’s most efficient CHPs.

The first section of the plant began commercial supply in 2004, with the original design to supply nearby refineries with steam and electricity. A second phase expansion completed in 2009 increased power capacity.

Construction is underway to build Immingham Energy Park, an adjacent site to VPI Immingham, providing 350MW rapid-response power during peaks of demand and when renewable energy generation is low.

With the acquisition of two existing battery storage facilities west of Dublin, VPI have taken the first step in supporting the on-going decarbonisation of Irish energy. The 200MW of battery energy storage at the Lumcloon and Shannonbridge sites, commissioned in 2021, will establish VPI as Ireland’s largest battery energy storage operator.

Battery storage is recognised as critical infrastructure for Ireland’s energy transition as they strive to hit ambitious 2030 targets. Since establishment in 2021, the Lumcloon and Shannonbridge batteries have performed well and are already playing an important role in stabilising the grid as renewables expand – driving decarbonisation while managing congestion and power shortfalls.

Additional renewable generation assets nearby to the Lumcloon and Shannonbridge are already in the pipeline, which will further unlock the battery storage full potential.

Online since 2000, VPI’s Shoreham plant provides 460MW of electricity. The combined cycle gas system uses a single GE/Alstom GT26 turbine and ABB steam turbine and generator.

Originally built on the site of the decommissioned Brighton ‘B’ coal power station, VPI Shoreham reutilised existing infrastructure from the nearby harbour for sea water cooling and a high voltage National Grid connection.

After major investment improving both efficiency and power output  in 2022, the facility is now one of the most efficient and lowest emission plants in the UK – delivering vital power.

Located 30 miles south of London on Kent’s Hoo Peninsula, VPI’s Damhead Creek provides the capital and South East with vital and flexible energy generation. The Damhead power station leverages an efficient combined cycle system pairing two Mitsubishi 701F3 gas turbines with one Mitsubishi steam turbine.

Damhead has been operational since 2001, with a capacity of 812MW. During 2024/25 VPI will deploy a major upgrade in partnership with Mitsubishi improving flexibility and reliability supporting the future needs of UK energy market.

While providing flexible and reliable power generation to meet demand, VPI Damhead Creek uses an air cooled condenser, has low water usage and discharge, and limits emissions to air.

With commercial operations starting in 2002, VPI Blackburn has continued the power generation legacy of the region, providing vital power supply to northwest England’s manufacturing area.

Initially launched as a combined heat and power (CHP) facility, the 60MW combined cycle gas plant is a strategic grid asset made up of one Siemens SGT800 gas turbine and one steam turbine. Fuelled by natural gas and leveraging hybrid cooling technology.

As one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe, VPI’s Immingham combined heat and power (CHP) plant is capable of producing enough flexible power to meet the needs of over one million homes, while providing electricity and steam to local sites including our Humber Zero partners at the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery.

We’re working at pace towards a final investment decision in 2024 for a new carbon capture scheme at Immingham that will capture over 95% of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and allow the site to operate as a major provider of low-carbon electricity and heat for the region into the 2030s and beyond. Together with the Humber Refinery, this will allow us to capture up to 3.8 million tonnes of CO₂ per year and enable the decarbonisation of the wider Immingham industrial site by providing a pathway for other major emitters on the south bank of the Humber to deliver a total reduction of up to 8 million tonnes per year.

We believe the Humber Zero project can be the key to securing the economic future of the region, creating up to 100 permanent jobs and sustaining around 20,000 industrial jobs.

Supporting National Grid power stability as renewables expand, VPI is developing a fully flexible Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) plant with clutch technology at its existing Immingham site. The 299MW facility will increase flexible capacity and system strength through its low carbon delivery.

This new asset comes future-proofed for long term sustainability, designed and ready for hydrogen gas when levels reach industrial capacity.

With an anticipated 23-year lifespan, aligned with capacity market agreement, construction of this new OCGT plant begins in late 2023 with commercial operations expected to start for 2025.

To provide further flexible grid support in an important balancing region, VPI is currently constructing a 50MW fast-start gas reciprocating peak facility at Immingham energy hub. Featuring full flexibility and black start capability, the facility’s quick-acting reciprocating engine will boost security of power supply when it can’t be met by renewables.

Clarke Energy are the selected EPC contractor of the 50MW hydrogen-ready INNIO Jenbacher gas engines, playing a key role in VPI’s long-term energy transition investment.

With an asset lifespan of 24-years, this project is already underway and will enter commercial operations in Q2 of 2024.

Further boosting Ireland’s electricity grid capabilities, VPI is progressing a 275MW OCGT plant in Castlelost, County Westmeath, through a 51/49 joint venture with developer Lumcloon Energy. The project involves the installation of five 55MW Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT) allowing for flexible energy generation during peak demand.

With an expected 2025 online date, Castlelost represents on-going VPI investment supporting Ireland’s security of supply and transition toward renewable energy. The plant is strategically located to complement growth in renewable generation.

It will provide back-up for renewables and spark into operation when wind output is low, providing a key supporting role in energy reliability for EirGrid.