An example of the new wave of piston engine based peakers being installed as a result of the UK capacity market is a 21 MW facility at Kingsnorth installed in 40 weeks by Clarke Energy for Ashford Power at Kingsnorth, Kent.
Fully automated and unmanned, the site is monitored and controlled remotely, providing electricity to the National Grid at times of peak demand. The project won a capacity market agreement in 2015.
The 14 containerised GE Jenbacher engines can be ramped up from standby in less than 2 minutes. The engines and enclosures are designed to remain at optimal temperatures for ensuring the fastest response times. The engines are expected to run for between 1500 and 2000 hours per year.
