Three new Drax power plants intended to increase the UK’s energy capacity have been delayed due to grid connection issues, according to reports.
The plants – Hirwaun Power in South Wales, Progress Power in Suffolk, and Millbrook in Buckinghamshire – were expected to be operational by 1 October and add nearly one gigawatt of capacity to the national grid.
These facilities, each with a capacity of approximately 299 megawatts, were developed to provide additional power as a safeguard during periods of high demand, particularly in winter.
However, the delays mean that they are not likely to come online for at least another six months, according to the Telegraph.
A NESO Spokesperson told Energy Live News: “As set out in our Winter Outlook in early October, margins are at their highest since 2019/20.
“These margins are calculated based on latest public information about the availability and commissioning of generating assets such as power stations.
“To ensure our margins represent a conservative operational view, we do not include generating assets set to commission within the winter period. As always we and the rest of the energy industry will continue to prepare for a range of potential eventualities, so that we are fully prepared for this coming winter.”
A Drax spokesperson told Energy Live News: “Commissioning of Drax’s three OCGT developments is due to begin in early 2025 and they’re expected to be fully operational later in the year.
“This is later than originally planned, primarily due to delays in being provided with a grid connection by the relevant authorities.
“As the grid becomes more reliant on intermittent sources of electricity, it is vital the UK continues to have sources of dispatchable power when the wind isn’t blowing, or the sun isn’t shining.
“Drax’s OCGT developments will strengthen the country’s energy security by doing just that.”
