Overview
Peterhead is a 1,180 MW gas-fired power plant in the United Kingdom. It operates as a key facility in the country's power generation sector, providing substantial capacity to the grid.
Peterhead is a gas-fired power plant located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 1,180 MW. This scale places it among the larger gas power plants in the country, contributing significantly to the national electricity supply. The plant is operational and plays a vital role in the UK's energy mix. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the UK, which aligns with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants. As a gas-fired facility, it benefits from lower CO2 emissions compared to coal, but still faces regulatory requirements for NOx and other pollutants. The UK's carbon pricing and emissions trading schemes also influence its operational costs. Peterhead's location in Scotland supports the regional grid, providing flexible generation to complement renewable sources like wind power. Its capacity of 1,180 MW makes it a significant asset for grid stability and peak demand management. The plant's gas fuel type positions it as a transitional technology in the UK's shift toward decarbonized power generation.
Environmental context
As a gas-fired power plant, Peterhead emits CO2, NOx, and other pollutants, though at lower levels than coal plants. Its location in Scotland, a region with growing renewable energy capacity, means it often operates in a balancing role, ramping up when wind or solar output is low. The plant's age and technology (likely combined cycle gas turbine, CCGT) influence its efficiency and emissions profile. Proximity to populated areas and sensitive ecosystems may require adherence to local air quality standards.
Frequently asked questions
The Peterhead power plant is located in the United Kingdom, at coordinates 57.4772 N, -1.7889 W.
The Peterhead gas power plant has a capacity of 1,180 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale facility in the UK.
The Peterhead power plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which is a common fuel for modern power generation due to its lower emissions compared to coal.
Gas power plants in the UK must comply with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants, as well as national carbon pricing and emissions trading schemes.
The Peterhead plant provides flexible generation capacity to the UK grid, helping to balance supply and demand, especially when renewable sources like wind are variable.