Key enzyme in the regulation of glycerol uptake and metabolism. Catalyzes the phosphorylation of glycerol to yield sn-glycerol 3-phosphate. ATP + glycerol = ADP + H(+) + sn-glycerol 3-phosphate Inhibited by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP). Polyol metabolism; glycerol degradation via glycerol kinase pathway; sn-glycerol 3-phosphate from glycerol: step 1/1. Belongs to the FGGY kinase family.