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 nitrogen oxide atomisers to control emissions.
• Palliative treatments are applied to neutralise any SO₃ and avoid acid smuts.
• There is a continuous monitoring of particulates and nitrogen oxides on all units.
• The station operates on fuel oil that contains 1% sulphur to minimise 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 which is about 10% of the British population and two other 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.