Keadby Pumping Station

Flood-protection infrastructure

The more-than-80-year-old Keadby pumping station entered the Environment Agency’s £140million repair programme in 2020. It protects about 15,000 homes across North Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, with associated river and wildlife benefits.

Standby installation

• Cummins generator described in the project specification as 3,000kVA.
• Automatic starting following mains failure to maintain pumping power.
• Piled platform positioned only a few metres from the water.
• Generator and fuel tank: combined handling weight of 55 tonnes.
• Noise requirement: no more than 60dB(A) at one metre because of nearby homes.

Delivery challenges

Installation proceeded despite COVID-19 disruption. Heavy lifting and restricted positioning beside the water were major challenges. The project narrative also references 2,800kW operation; that figure is retained as a reported operating description, not reconciled with the listed kVA rating.

Commissioning status

Final commissioning had been completed when the project was reported, with changeover from the previous system imminent. Further pump installation was planned for the following year.