History of the site

1950s – 1960s

Richborough Power Station was constructed by the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Entering service in 1962 as a 342MW coal fired station, using coal from Kent and other coalfields.

1970s

The station was, following a change in policy, converted to oil in 1971.

1980s

In 1989 a 1MW wind turbine was constructed to aid the development of wind technology. It is understood that at the time, the unit was the most powerful to be constructed on the British mainland.

1990s

At privatisation, Powergen assumed ownership of the station in 1990 and continued to operate it until its closure in 1996. Following a major refurbishment in 1989, the station undertook extensive trials starting in 1990, burning a new fuel, known as Orimulsion (an oil and water based emulsion from Venezuela). During the early 1990s, the plant was the subject of two legal actions claiming damage from pollution. Both cases were settled out of court

The 21st Century

Most of the machinery and equipment associated with power generation other than the grid connector was removed during a demolition and strip-out programme which was completed in 2000, whilst the foundations, some outbuildings, office block, cooling towers and chimney have remained standing.

Since the acquisition by Richborough A Ltd in 2000, Thanet Offshore Wind has played an active role in the site, incorporating their connector to the National Grid on site. Richborough Power Station has also been subject to a structured care and maintenance programme, including site security.