UK signs contracts for inaugural carbon capture projects in Teesside
The UK's first carbon capture, usage, and storage projects are set to revolutionise sustainable energy in Teesside, creating jobs and supporting economic growth.
The UK is making significant strides towards a sustainable energy future with the recent signing of contracts for its inaugural carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) projects in Teesside. This initiative, located in the East Coast Cluster, aims to capture and securely store carbon emissions from the region’s industrial sectors, presenting a transformative opportunity for the area.
Construction of these pivotal projects is slated to commence in mid-2025, marking a critical juncture for the UK’s carbon capture sector. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband remarked, “This investment launches a new era for clean energy in Britain – boosting energy security, backing industries, and supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs in Teesside and the North East.” He characterized the move as part of the government's mission to establish the UK as a "clean energy superpower."
The projects, primarily driven by two ventures—Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership—focus on the ambitious goal of decarbonising some of the UK’s most energy-intensive industries. Together, these initiatives are projected to store approximately 23 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2035, with rich implications for both the regional economy and the environment.
The East Coast Cluster is anticipated to generate around £4 billion in supply chain opportunities across the country. This financial influx is expected to bolster local economies by creating an estimated 2,000 jobs directly, with many more coming into play as the CCUS industry evolves. The Net Zero Teesside Power project, for example, is designed to power up to one million homes by 2028, contributing significantly to Britain's net-zero targets set for 2050.
The CCUS technology being implemented is aimed at capturing CO2 emissions before they enter the atmosphere, an approach that has become vital for decarbonising hard-to-reduce sectors such as heavy industry. The captured emissions will either be repurposed or stored deep underground in secure geological formations, like beneath the North Sea, thereby preventing them from exacerbating global warming.
The backing for these projects reflects a considerable investment from the UK government, which has committed £21.7 billion to accelerate the transition towards cleaner technology. This funding follows the successful implementation of the Contracts for Difference scheme, which has enabled the UK's offshore wind industry to flourish.
Several major global energy companies, including bp, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, are deeply involved in these pioneering efforts. Their collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling climate challenges. In addition, the North Sea Transition Authority's recent award of the first-ever carbon storage permit to the Endurance store signifies a vital regulatory milestone in the UK’s journey towards achieving its climate objectives.
Various engineering firms have been contracted to realise these ambitious projects, encompassing a comprehensive plan that integrates advanced technologies for both energy generation and carbon capture. As part of this bold venture, Technip Energies, a leader in CCUS projects, alongside GE Vernova and Balfour Beatty, are working to create a state-of-the-art gas-fired power plant that will be the first of its kind in the world to incorporate integrated carbon capture and storage technology.
Each element of the East Coast Cluster, including the construction of CO2 transportation and storage systems, is expected to further influence the UK’s energy landscape. Over the span of this transition, the projects are not only positioned to play a critical role in meeting national emissions reduction targets but are also set to act as a model for other regions aspiring to enhance their carbon capture capabilities.
As the UK embarks on this significant chapter in its pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, the impacts will be felt widely — from supporting thousands of jobs in the North East to fostering technological innovation aimed at achieving long-term environmental goals.
Source: Noah Wire Services