Balfour Beatty & GE Vernova: Powering Teesside CCAS Plant
A net zero power plant significantly reduces or eliminates greenhouse gas emissions from energy production.
As an onshore power, capture and compression project that is set to be the world’s first gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage, Net Zero Teesside Power is heralded a core element of UK’s first decarbonised industrial cluster.
Ian Hunter, Managing Director, Net Zero Teesside Power, said: “As the project progresses into the execution phase, we look forward to delivering on our ambition to create and support thousands of jobs whilst generating flexible, dispatchable low-carbon power for the UK.”
The plant is designed to produce low-carbon electricity and capture carbon emissions, using a combined cycle gas turbine to generate up to 742 megawatts of power, equivalent to the average electricity needs of more than one million UK homes.
Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “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.
“This is the Government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower in action- replacing Britain’s energy insecurity with homegrown clean power that rebuilds the strength of our industrial heartlands.”
Constructing sustainable power
Balfour Beatty announces that it has been awarded an US$1.1bn contract by Technip Energies to act as the construction partner for Net Zero Teesside Power - Onshore Power, Capture and Compression project.
Balfour Beatty will work alongside Technip Energies and GE Vernova, with support from technology partner Shell Catalysts & Technologies, to construct the combined cycle gas- powered generation plant. The net zero Teesside Power contract is a joint venture between BP and Equinor.
Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive, says: “Net Zero Teesside Power is an ambitious scheme, forging the path towards the sustainable infrastructure of the future and positioning the UK as a leader in cleaner, greener energy consumption.”
“The scheme will not only be a critical driver in achieving net zero but will also play a key role in boosting regional economic growth in the North-East of England; generating thousands of employment opportunities both in the immediate term and in the future.”
Balfour Beatty has been contracted to build the post-combustion carbon capture system that is anticipated to capture up to two million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
The carbon dioxide will then be compressed and stored under the North Sea by the Northern Endurance Partnership.
When will work begin?
Main construction of the project is expected to commence later this year, with an expected completion date in 2028.
The contract award follows the UK Government's announcement of a US$29.6bn pledge for projects to capture and store carbon emissions from energy, industry and hydrogen production.
At its peak, Balfour Beatty will employ 1,500 people with at least 5% of its workforce being apprentices or graduates, due to its commitment to the 5% club.
Louise Kingham, Senior Vice President, Europe & Head of Country, UK at bp said: “The East Coast Cluster can play a critical role in the UK Government’s levelling up ambition, supporting thousands of jobs and investing in local communities.
“Teesside and the Humber were once the industrial heart of the UK, and we're paving the way for them to become the green heart of the country’s energy transition, shepherding in the next generation of industry and ways of working.”
