Clarke Energy

Clarke Energy History

Clarke Energy's Early Years

Clarke Energy Illuminated Sign

Clarke Energy started trading in 1989, providing spare parts world-wide to users of marine, industrial and locomotive diesel engines. The company at that time was based in Aintree near Liverpool and was head by Jim Clarke. By 1992 the company had grown to 40 people and had a growing turnover. In 1992 new purpose built premises were purchased at Unity Grove, Knowsley Business Park in Liverpool.

From Strength to Strength

Risley Landfill Gas Plant

The company has continued to grow and now provides employment for a workforce of over 1000 across sixteen countries globally. The company moved to its international headquarters, ‘Power House’, in 2000 which are situated in Knowsley Industrial Park near Liverpool.

The Clarke Energy of today has transformed dramatically since Jim Clarke first took a controlling stake in the company. Jim set about restructuring what was at that time a diesel engine spare parts and service business. The first few years saw many changes, which eventually led to Jim taking complete ownership. A key milestone came in 1995 when the company was appointed as the exclusive

UK distributor for Jenbacher – now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of gas-powered reciprocating engines and co-generation units. This was largely thanks to the company’s strong service based operation and enviable reputation for top quality, reliable and accountable customer service.

Ongoing global expansion

Clarke Energy's French Office

In 1997 the company changed its name to Clarke Energy Ltd. Since this point in time Clarke Energy has helped develop many cutting-edge renewable and high efficiency gas generation projects including some of the early landfill gas power plants, greenhouse CHP facilities, coal mine methane and more recently quad-generation plants. Complimentary to the installation of these units, the company has developed dedicated Jenbacher product service support facilities with remote monitoring, spare parts stock-holding. The company also has one of the few GE authorised Jenbacher full engine rebuild and refurbishment facilities in

Knowsley. On the back of the successful partnership between Clarke Energy and Jenbacher, the company began to expand overseas. 1998 saw Clarke Energy being awarded with the distributorship in Australia and New Zealand, soon followed by Nigeria in 1999.

In 1999 the company successfully attracted investment from 3i plc to enable it to ramp up its ambitions for growth. It was then only a few years until the acquisition of Cogen India and Jenbacher France in 2003 and 2004 to further expand Clarke Energy worldwide. Completing the current Clarke Energy worldwide offices are Ireland (opened in 2005), Tunisia ( in 2008), Algeria (2011), Tanzania (2012) and Orient Energy's Bangladesh operations, GE's South African Jenbacher service business and Agaricus Trading in 2013.

Investment in Growth

Tour of Britain passes Clarke EnergySince 1989, the company has continued to grow year on year with employee numbers and turnover figures consistently rising. 2013 saw a record turnover for the Clarke Group of over £224m, with the number of employees passing 750 worldwide (1000 in 2015). In 2010 Jamie Clarke, Jim’s son, was promoted to become Chief Executive Officer, with Jim retaining the position of Chairman. Also in 2010, following a successful ten-year relationship, the company completed the buy-back of shares from 3i.

As part of plans for ongoing future expansion, in 2012 ECI partners bought a minority stake in Clarke Energy.

High Efficiency Diesel Gensets

GE's 616 Diesel Gensets

Demand for distributed power is growing at a fast pace. Distributed Power solutions furnish power right where you are, with fewer channelling and distribution losses. The 616 Genset goes where you need it – on or off the grid, in remote locations, and even under the most demanding operating conditions, providing you with reliable power at lower fuel cost, extended equipment life and smaller footprint.

The 616 diesel genset epitomises the  most advanced reciprocating engine technology and addresses your most critical application challenges helping your business to become even more efficient and productive.

Extending the Type 6 legacy

The 2.6 MW 616 diesel engine has been designed for higher efficiency, more reliability and technology excellence. The 616 genset is powered by a four-stroke, turbocharged high pressure common rail diesel engine with lower fuel consumption, high power density and long overhaul intervals. The genset can be complemented by high levels of diagnostic and prognostic service capabilities for customers seeking more reliable and efficient electrical generation capabilities. To better meet your power generation challenges, GE have combined and enhanced the proven technology of the Jenbacher J616 gas engine with the P616 locomotive diesel engine from GE Transportation. Currently more than 3,500 Type 6 gas gensets are in operation worldwide, with more than 60 million operating hours, providing safer, more reliable and efficient power in the most demanding environments.

616 Customer Benefits:

• Unmatched fuel consumption of 188g/kWh.
• Stable power output and reliable efficiency in most demanding ambient condition.
• Fast and simple installation.
• Designed for ease of maintenance.
• Full plant flexibility available with any multiple-engine installation.
• Extended intervals between overhauls.

The 616 Diesel Engine and Genset Specifications

The 616 diesel common rail engine is equipped with a DIA.NE X4T4 engine controller, engine coolant pumps and temperature controls. The 616 genset is equipped with a frame mounted engine/generator and generator controls.