E.On UK returned its Killingholme power station to full service on Tuesday in what is believed a world first. The 900MW station, based in Lincolnshire, was operationally withdrawn in 2002/03 and is believed to be the first gas-fired power station to be completely returned after an extended period out of service. The move is part of the company’s strategy to lower its emissions in line with the government’s low emissions policy and as part of the company’s moves to ensure power supplies for its customers.
The station’s control system has also been updated so that staff at Killingholme can remotely control E.On UK’s gas-fired Cottam Development Centre 40 miles away in Nottinghamshire. Killingholme was the second gas-fired power station to be built in the UK, in 1993, and its return to service will be marked by a special ceremony on 7 September.