Siemens Energy’s SGT5-9000HL Gas Turbine at SSE Thermal’s Keadby 2 power station in North Lincolnshire, UK is now Guinness World Records title holder for the most powerful combined cycle power plant and the most efficient combined cycle power plant. The two records were based on site specific test results corrected to ISO conditions and evaluated by external companies,
The efficiency record of 64.18% was verified in May 2024, in a plant powered by an SGT5-9000HL gas turbine. It is also the most high capacity combined cycle plant, at 849.45 MW. At such a power level, efficiency gains mean significant savings of resources. In addition fast gas turbine ramping at the plant provides flexibility that allows it to complement renewable generation. It can also contribute to the UK’s net zero aims, with plans for decarbonising further, by introducing the potential to blend hydrogen into the plant fuel mix.
Construction of Keadby2 began in August 2018 and it was officially handed over in March 2023. It benefits from up to date power generation technology including the Siemens SGT5-9000HL 50Hz turbine which is considered the most efficient on the market and includes state-of-the-art 3D printed parts as part of its design.
SSE’s Keadby 2 is now in commercial operation. It is expected to be the cleanest and most efficient gas-fired power station in Europe, and is calculated to contribute over £1bn to the UK economy over its lifetime.