Drax Group (LSE:DRX) has completed commissioning of Hirwaun Power Station and assumed commercial control from developer Metlen Energy & Metals.
The UK power producer is developing three 299MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) plants across England and Wales that together will provide c.900MW of capacity and be remunerated via peak generation, system support services and long-term index‑linked Capacity Market agreements extending to 2039 and worth over £260 million in revenue.
"The successful commissioning of our first OCGT plant is a landmark moment for Drax," said Will Gardiner, Drax Group CEO.
The sites benefit from a low fixed cost base, with operation and dispatch managed centrally by Drax and day‑to‑day site management provided by Siemens Energy.
OCGTs offer rapid start‑stop flexibility to meet periods of high demand, supporting greater integration of intermittent renewables and strengthening energy security while reducing net carbon emissions.
Each plant includes a clutch mechanism between turbine and generator that allows it to operate as a synchronous compensator and deliver inertia and voltage control without engaging the gas turbine.
Drax also noted that it has made initial investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems and will continue to explore further investments in flexible and renewable capacity in line with its capital allocation policy.
