RWE Generation UK

Since the closure of its last coal-fired power station in the UK in March 2020 (Aberthaw), RWE has continued to provide firm, flexible thermal gas-fired generation with around 7GW of modern and efficient operational capacity, including at the state-of-the-art Kings Lynn CCGT.

RWE is considering decarbonisation options for its operational power stations including carbon capture technology. In addition we are investigating Green Hydrogen plants to support industrial decarbonisation.

The company also owns and operates 21 hydro sites across the UK and a highly efficient biomass CHP plant in Markinch, Scotland.

Facts and figures

00 GW

modern and efficient operational capacity

00 hydro sites

across the UK

00 %

reduced carbon intensity between 2012 and 2021

Why gas is still important

RWE has a clear direction of travel for the future: to become carbon neutral by 2040. In support of this we are targeting investments of tens of millions of £s to decarbonise our sites.

In the meantime our CCGT plants still have a vital role to play. As more and more energy is produced from renewable sources such as wind and sun, the energy system becomes increasingly weather dependant. Our gas stations are crucial to fill the gap when there is not enough wind or solar energy available to meet demand. This means we can help ensure a steady supply of electricity.

Innovative hydrogen technologies

The company is also actively involved in the development of innovative hydrogen technologies, as RWE is well placed to deliver valuable insights. Our renewable power from a growing offshore and onshore portfolio will help drive green hydrogen; plus through our major efficient gas fleet in the UK, we could be the major power off-taker for all forms of clean hydrogen, thereby becoming a key partner in the transition to a hydrogen economy.

For example, RWE is looking at developing hydrogen across the UK, including the Pembroke Net Zero Centre, and an initiative with SGN at Markinch.

RWE has reduced its carbon intensity in the UK by 43% between 2012 and 2021. Looking forward, RWE is committed to being carbon neutral by 2040 and fully aligned with the UK’s target to for decarbonised power sector by 2035 (subject to security of supply).

RWE hydrogen activities

Decarbonised flexible generation ambitions

Alongside RWE’s target to become carbon neutral by 2040 is the UK Government’s aim for the country to be Net Zero by 2050, and with an ambition for the power sector to have achieved this goal even earlier, by 2035. For maintaining security of electricity supply, sources of flexible and dispatchable generation are needed. Essential for that are Carbon Capture, utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and hydrogen combustion.

More about CCUS