Overview
Little Barford is a 720 MW gas-fired power plant in the United Kingdom, operated by RWE Npower Plc. It plays a key role in the UK's electricity grid, supporting energy security with flexible gas generation.
Little Barford is a gas-fired power plant located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 720 MW. Operated by RWE Npower Plc, the facility is a significant contributor to the country's power generation mix, providing flexible and reliable electricity to meet demand. As a gas power plant, it operates within the UK's regulatory framework, which includes emissions standards set by the Environment Agency and alignment with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) post-Brexit. The plant's 720 MW capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for gas-fired generation in the UK. Gas power plants like Little Barford typically use combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology, which offers higher efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared to older coal-fired plants. The facility benefits from the UK's well-established gas infrastructure and regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with Best Available Techniques (BAT) for emissions control. Environmentally, gas-fired generation produces lower CO2 per MWh than coal but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Little Barford's location in the UK means it operates under strict air quality regulations, including the UK's National Air Quality Standards. The plant's role in providing flexible backup for intermittent renewables like wind and solar is crucial for grid stability, supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon energy system.
Environmental context
Little Barford operates in the UK, where gas-fired power plants are subject to stringent emissions regulations under the Environment Agency's permitting system. The plant's CO2 and NOx emissions are regulated to align with national climate targets and air quality standards. Its proximity to populated areas may require additional monitoring, but modern CCGT technology helps minimize local air quality impacts. The facility's role in balancing renewable energy sources reduces reliance on coal, contributing to overall emissions reductions in the UK power sector.
Frequently asked questions
Little Barford is located in the United Kingdom, near the village of Little Barford in Bedfordshire. Its coordinates are approximately 52.2046° N, -0.2693° E.
Little Barford has a capacity of 720 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large gas-fired power plant in the UK.
Little Barford is operated by RWE Npower Plc, a major energy company in the United Kingdom.
Gas power plants in the UK must comply with the Environment Agency's emissions permits, which implement the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and UK National Air Quality Standards. They also adhere to Best Available Techniques (BAT) for emissions control.
Little Barford provides flexible gas-fired generation that supports grid stability, especially when renewable sources like wind and solar are intermittent. It helps reduce reliance on coal and aids the transition to a low-carbon energy system.