Cummins Supplies Natural Gas Generators for Major Distributed Generation Project with UK Power Reserve

Press Release from Cummins Inc.

Jun 12, 2019 | Ramsgate, Kent

Twenty-six sites combine to offer more than 500 megawatts of power to the UK national grid, supporting the UK’s goals of decarbonization and higher renewable penetration

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), as supplier of natural gas generators, has helped UK Power Reserve (UKPR), part of the Singapore-based Sembcorp Industries group, to provide an additional 500 megawatts of power to the UK national grid, supporting the UK’s goals of decarbonization and higher renewable energy penetration. This generating capacity is enough to power over a quarter of a million homes and meet over 1.4% of the UK’s peak demand for electricity.  

“We’re proud to work alongside a company delivering low-cost, low-carbon solutions to the UK’s distributed energy mix,” said Alex Savelli, Executive Director, Cummins Power Generation Business. “Natural gas generators offer reliable power, which can be activated in distributed generation installations when renewable sources, like solar and wind, are not available because the sun is not shining, or the wind is not blowing. To achieve the necessary integration, this project required effective coordination and communication to ensure the timely delivery of our natural gas generators, and we were pleased to work with our partners at UK Power Reserve and Sembcorp.” 

The journey to this half a gigawatt began in 2014 when UK Power Reserve placed one of the largest global natural gas generating set orders of its kind with Cummins, to add 18 new plants to UKPR’s existing fleet of gas-fired power stations throughout England and Wales. Successful delivery of this first phase within an ambitious timeframe led to further growth; UKPR invested in a further 8 new plants, bringing the total to 26 plants with a combined 508MWs. These milestones bring UKPR’s total operating portfolio to 693MW, making this one of the biggest projects the Cummins UK power generation business has yet undertaken, establishing it as a premier player in the capacity market not only in the UK, but globally as well.

Across the 26 plants, Cummins installed a total of 254 of C2000N5C gas generator models along with transformers and switchgear in specially designed switch and control rooms in most of the sites. The industry-leading fast start capability offered by the C200N5C models ensured each site can be on line when commanded by the National Grid in under 120 seconds, which was a critical requirement from UKPR.

UKPR’s gas-fired plants provide flexible, efficient, rapid-response power capacity to the UK energy market. These assets provide services to the market and National Grid at times of high demand, as well as offsetting the intermittency of renewable power sources such as wind and solar energy. A total of 40 sites are controlled and monitored via the central operations facility based in Solihull where they can be remotely monitored and called upon to operate. UKPR became part of the Sembcorp Group in May 2018, adding distributed energy generation to Sembcorp’s UK portfolio.

“Delivering this half a gigawatt of new, flexible, rapid-response gas-fired capacity in conjunction with our partner represents a momentous milestone for Sembcorp, as we strengthen our UK distributed energy generation capability. We have developed a powerful tool to help the UK meet its goals towards decarbonization and support higher renewable penetration. Our fleet can respond in seconds to deliver power when it is needed most. I’m immensely proud of the teamwork that has been displayed in making this significant achievement. As the country transitions towards a renewable future, we’re here to provide the support needed to keep the lights on. I thank Cummins for their part in this major development and I look forward to strengthening our partnership further,” said Sam Wither, Head of Sembcorp’s UK Power Reserve Business.

About Sembcorp's UK Power Reserve Business

UK Power Reserve, part of Sembcorp Industries group, is the leading provider of flexibility to the UK energy system. Our contracted 1,013MW portfolio of low carbon, decentralised assets includes 120MW of battery storage, one of the biggest in Europe. With rapid response, low cost assets located close to centres of demand, we are improving competition and delivering value to consumers. An innovative, disruptive voice in energy, UK Power Reserve is advancing its ambitious growth plans in the UK.
 
Sembcorp Industries is a leading energy, marine, and urban development group, operating across multiple markets worldwide.

As an integrated energy player, Sembcorp is poised to benefit from the global energy transition. With a strong track record in developing and developed markets, we provide solutions across the energy and utilities value chain, with a focus on the Gas & Power, Renewables & Environment, and Merchant & Retail sectors. We have a balanced energy portfolio of over 12,400 megawatts, including thermal power plants, renewable wind and solar power assets, as well as biomass and energy-from-waste facilities. In addition, Sembcorp is a world leader in offshore and marine engineering, as well as an established brand name in urban development. 

Sembcorp Industries has total assets of over S$23 billion and over 7,000 employees. Listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange, it is a component stock of the Straits Times Index, several MSCI and FTSE indices, as well as the SGX Sustainability Leaders Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index.
 
For more information on UK Power Reserve, please visit www.ukpowerreserve.com | @UKPowerReserve on Twitter | UK Power Reserve on LinkedIn

For more information on Sembcorp visit www.sembcorp.co.uk | Sembcorp Utilities UK on LinkedIn

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from diesel and natural gas engines to hybrid and electric platforms, as well as related technologies, including battery systems, fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.A.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 62,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and over 7,600 dealer locations and earned about $2.1 billion on sales of $23.8 billion in 2018.

See how Cummins is powering a world that’s Always On by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/always-on. Follow Cummins on Twitter at https://twitter.com/cummins and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/CumminsInc

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