RWE has launched a new UK Fleet Control Room at Staythorpe Power Station, marking a significant milestone in the company’s investment in modern, flexible gas generation.

In order to future-proof the plant, RWE has equipped the control room with the most modern operational technologies positioning it for a long-term role at the heart of RWE’s and the UK’s power generation. It means the new facility can now provide remote operational support for four of RWE’s combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) sites across the UK – Little Barford, King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Didcot – alongside existing operations of the UK’s second largest CCGT at Staythorpe.

Nikolaus Valerius, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), RWE Generation commented, “RWE is investing in innovation to make our gas fleet smarter and more flexible. The new Fleet Control Room represents the next step in our digital transformation, combining advanced remote operations with our world-class engineering expertise. Gas remains a critical transition technology that enables more renewables on the grid while ensuring reliable power for homes and businesses.”

The Staythorpe Fleet Control Room features cutting-edge hardware and software, capable of relaying vast amounts of operational data from all five locations in real time, and is designed using the latest Human Machine Interface (HMI) knowledge with respect to sound, lighting and communications. This advanced technology will allow Staythorpe operations staff to simultaneously control the other power stations’ output, including start-up and shut-downs. This enables local staff to deliver additional tasks, avoids duplication, improves process efficiency, and allows all staff at all five sites to use their skills to the full.

As the UK moves forward towards a clean power system, gas generation continues to play a vital role in maintaining security of supply and supporting the growth of renewables. RWE operates around 7GW of flexible and efficient CCGT plant; they provide reliable backup to support and balance renewable generation, ensuring security of supply when renewable output is low / demand is high. 

This week Energy UK and RWE hosted an event in Parliament to highlight the continued and important role of gas in a clean power system. Themes included how the gas fleet will need to adapt to a changing energy system and operational challenges in a “low load factor world”, topics that we have explored in our most recent RWE Reflections paper here. More information about the role of gas can be found here.

As gas-fired power stations are expected to run less frequently in the future, RWE’s remote operations capability will allow sites to be efficiently maintained in standby mode, improving workforce flexibility and ensuring continued operational excellence.

RWE is the leading power generator in the UK and a leading developer of renewables.  The company operates a diverse portfolio of generation assets, including offshore and onshore wind, hydro, solar and gas power stations. RWE is helping to build a secure, affordable and sustainable energy future for the UK.