UK's first ever Carbon Capture project to begin construction on Teesside
The UK's first ever carbon capture and storage project moves a step closer this afternoon
The UK's first ever carbon capture and storage project moves a step closer this afternoon.
It'll see carbon dioxide produced from industrial processes and power stations in Teesside and Humberside captured, transported, and then stored deep underground in the North Sea.
We're told it will create thousands of jobs, attract private investment and help the UK meet climate goals.
Contracts have been signed this afternoon and construction is expected to start next year.
Net Zero Teesside Power, which aims to be the world’s first gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage, will be built in parallel with the Northern Endurance Partnerships transportation and storage infrastructure. The confirmed contracts have a combined value of around £4bn.
We're told Net Zero Teesside Power is set to support and create 3,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs once the plant is operational. It is expected to add up to £300million to the economy per year.
Up to two million tonnes of CO2 emissions from the power station could be captured each year – emissions which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
The captured CO2 will then be transported by the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) by pipeline to a geological storage site under the North Sea, where it will be permanently and safely stored.
Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, said:
“I’m delighted that today this major deal has been signed to bring jobs and opportunities in carbon capture to the people of Redcar and Cleveland. We have the skills, the talent and the infrastructure to lead Britain’s new green industrial renaissance and be at the forefront of the global transition to NetZero. Here on Teesside we are leading the way in industrial decarbonisation and I’m delighted this Labour government is backing us to the hilt”
Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool, said:
“What a difference from the last 14 years. Conservatives talked about investment in our region, Labour is actually delivering it. As Labour MPs we are working relentlessly with Labour ministers to make Teesside, including Hartlepool, the epicentre of our country as a clean energy super power. That means jobs and investment for generations to come.”
Luke Myer MP, chair of the CCUS APPG, said:
"This is a landmark moment for Teesside and the wider region. It means billions of pounds of investment and over 4,000 jobs in the green industries we need. It's clear that this Government is moving quickly to deliver for a sector previously beset by years of delay."
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is yet another landmark moment in the development of a world-leading development right here in Teesside.
“This transformational project that will deliver thousands of high-quality jobs for years to come and deliver incredible opportunities for our local workforce, especially our young people.
“We have set an example on how working with the private sector can bring massive benefits by moving quickly, delivering hugely complex projects and attracting investment on a scale not seen on Teesside since ICI.
“This decision means spades will soon be in the ground and people will be able to see for themselves how our area is being transformed.”
Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington, said:
“This investment is yet another huge vote of confidence in our region. It proves again that the North East is absolutely key to our national industrial strategy and our plans to hit Net Zero.
“It’s clear as can be: under Labour our region is going to be a centre of new technologies and that golden word: jobs. What a contrast to the years of neglect that came in the Tory years before.”
Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said:
“Net Zero Teesside, delivered by the Labour government, is the single biggest investment in Teesside in our history. It is worth £4bn, will create 3,000 construction jobs and 1,000 well paid permanent jobs and will make our area leaders in the industries of the future. The importance of this announcement cannot be overstated.
"Just as we have led the industries of the past with iron and steel, we now look forward with optimism to our future as a global leader in clean technologies.
"In partnership with business, the Labour government has made sure that the final investment decisions of both government and private partners have been fully aligned, so as to secure the programme and with it the many, many highly skilled well-paid work that will flow for Tees Valley workforce.
"Securing Net Zero Teesside is a massive achievement for the economy of the Tees Valley and is critical to the UK meeting its decarbonisation objectives.
"To see this signed, sealed and delivered after just five months of a Labour government, five months in which we've seen £2bn investment in hydrogen technologies in the Tees Valley, £500m to save the Hitachi plant - safeguarding jobs and the supply chain and a life extension of Hartlepool Power Station protecting more jobs and securing clean energy, is incredible. Labour is delivering for Teesside."
Chris McDonald, MP for Stockton North, said:
‘This is a monumental moment for Teesside and a project of national and international importance. Net Zero Teesside is more than just a local initiative—it’s a symbol of our region’s unmatched engineering heritage and our readiness to lead the world in tackling the climate crisis. Eyes from across the globe will be on Teesside as we deliver this crucial step in the green industrial revolution.’