Overview
Burghfield is a 45 MW diesel power plant in the United Kingdom, operated by Scottish and Southern: Thermal. The facility provides oil-fired generation capacity to the local grid.
Burghfield is a diesel power plant located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 45 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by Scottish and Southern: Thermal, a major energy company in the region. As an oil-fired plant, it contributes to the country's diverse energy mix, providing dispatchable power to support grid stability. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United Kingdom, which includes emissions standards aligned with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive and national climate targets. Diesel and oil-fired plants like Burghfield typically serve as peaking or reserve capacity, operating during periods of high demand or when renewable generation is low. The technology involves internal combustion engines or gas turbines, offering quick start-up and flexibility. Burghfield plays a role in ensuring energy security in its region, complementing the UK's growing renewable energy portfolio. Its operational status as an active facility highlights its importance in meeting peak electricity demands. The plant's relatively modest capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale category for power generation in the UK.
Environmental context
Burghfield's oil-fired generation produces CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to local air quality considerations. The plant's location in a populated area may require adherence to strict emission limits under UK regulations. Its age and technology type influence its environmental footprint, with older diesel plants generally having higher emissions per MWh compared to modern combined-cycle gas turbines. The facility's role as a peaking plant means it operates intermittently, reducing overall annual emissions relative to baseload plants.
Frequently asked questions
Burghfield power plant is located in the United Kingdom, with coordinates approximately 51.4563° N, -0.9711° W.
Burghfield is a diesel power plant, also classified as an oil-fired power generation facility.
Burghfield power plant is owned and operated by Scottish and Southern: Thermal, a subsidiary of SSE plc.
Diesel power plants in the United Kingdom must comply with the Environmental Permitting Regulations, which implement the EU Industrial Emissions Directive, setting limits on SOx, NOx, and particulate emissions. They also fall under the UK's carbon pricing mechanism and climate change targets.
Burghfield provides 45 MW of dispatchable, oil-fired generation capacity, typically used for peak demand or as reserve power to support grid stability when renewable sources are insufficient.