Centrica's South Humber Bank power station to return to full service in 2017

Utility company Centrica said it intends to return its part-mothballed South Humber Bank power station in North East Lincolnshire to full service in 2017.

The British Gas owner said it has committed to spend £63m on an overhaul of the gas turbines plant that will see new turbine blades installed in partnership with GE.

The plant will return to full service in 2017 with work expected to begin the following year ready for the start of its capacity market contract in October 2018.

Jorge Pikunic, managing director of Centrica’s distributed energy and power business, said: “This upgrade allows us to secure the future of this important power station for at least another decade.

“We were pleased to see the government’s announcements last week signalling the important role that power stations like South Humber Bank will continue to play for UK security of supply and look forward to hearing more about their plans to support investment in the sector. The market for gas-fired generation continues to be challenging but, with the right policy landscape, we are confident it can improve.”

Centrica said the 1,285 megawatt gas-fired power station is capable of producing enough electricity to meet the needs of over one million homes – nearly half the homes in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Its capacity will increase by a further 14MW as a result of the turbine upgrade.

At 1257 GMT, Centrica shares were up 1.9% at 220.30p.