In 2019, Downing funds acquired Essence Energy Limited, a 20MW gas fired generation site in Wolverhampton to facilitate the construction of the plant.
The site benefits from 15-year Capacity Market contracts that ensure security of supply to the UK in times of shortage. The plant is designed to be able to start up quickly (under two minutes), which enables it to provide power to the market at times of peak demand.
The project is still in development phase, with commissioning expected in 2021.