Grain has two 690MW units that use oil. It has a total generation capacity of 1,380MW.

At Grain we are sensitive to the environmental issues associated with burning oil and do what we can to minimise their impact.

• Both units are fitted with low Nitrous Oxide atomisers to control Nitrous Oxide emissions.
• Palliative treatments are applied to neutralise any SO3 and avoid acid smuts.
• There is a continuous monitoring of particulates and Nitrous Oxides on all units.
• The station now operates on 1% sulphur oil (formerly 3.5%) which will lead to a reduction in Sulphur Dioxide emissions.
• There is a once-through cooling water system at Grain which means that there are no evaporation losses or concentration effect, thus reducing environmental impact on the river.
• General waste is minimised due to the local waste management plan. Paper, cardboard, scrap metal and waste oils are recycled.

Environment

The Medway Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest borders the site. The site holds up to six pairs of nesting black redstarts(about 10% of the British population) and two other schedule one (special protection) species – the barn owl and peregrine falcon. The owls diet includes many water voles, a species of conservation concern found in good numbers on the site.

Additionally, many migrating birds use the sites including many whitethroats. Hares have also done well in the rough grass areas and over 150 Bee orchids have been spotted along with several autumn lady’s tresses.