Construction is set to begin on the world’s first gas-fired power station equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, located in Teesside, England.
The Net Zero Teesside Power project, led by engineering firm Technip Energies in partnership with GE Vernova and Balfour Beatty, aims to capture up to two million tonnes of CO2 every year. The carbon will be safely stored as part of efforts to help the UK achieve its target of Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The plant will generate enough low-carbon electricity to power over one million homes annually, while creating more than 3,000 construction jobs and supporting 1,000 jobs during its operation.
“This transformational project underpins the UK’s transition to cleaner energy and will drive economic growth in the Northeast,” said Leo Quinn, CEO of construction partner Balfour Beatty.
The project follows a £21.7bn ($27.5bn) commitment from the UK government to support carbon capture across industries, energy production, and hydrogen projects.
How it works
The Teesside plant will be powered by an advanced gas turbine from GE Vernova, paired with a system to capture the CO2 emissions produced. Using Shell’s CANSOLV technology, the captured carbon will be transported for permanent storage by the Northern Endurance Partnership.
“This project marks a critical milestone in the UK’s journey toward net zero,” said Elise H. Nowee, President of Shell Catalysts & Technologies. “With the potential to capture up to two million tonnes of CO2 annually, it reflects the strength of our partnership with Technip Energies.”
The plant is also designed to provide up to 742 megawatts of electricity, offering flexibility to balance the grid when renewable energy sources like wind or solar fall short.
“This is a flagship project that gives the industry a foundation to grow,” said Maví Zingoni, CEO of GE Vernova’s power division. “We believe CCUS technology can play a crucial role in helping decarbonise the planet.”
Boost for Teesside
The project is expected to bring a major economic boost to the Teesside area. In addition to creating thousands of jobs, it aims to showcase Teesside as a hub for clean energy innovation.
The consortium involved in the project, known as the Carbon Capture Alliance, includes Technip Energies, GE Vernova, Balfour Beatty, and Shell Catalysts & Technologies.
“This award confirms Technip Energies’ leading position as a provider of integrated CCUS solutions,” said Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies. “By leveraging our Canopy by T.EN™ solution powered by Shell’s CANSOLV CO2 Capture System, we aim to set a new standard for low-carbon power generation.”
A step towards Net Zero
As the UK works to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the Teesside project is part of a broader effort to balance energy needs while cutting emissions. If successful, it could serve as a model for scaling up CCS technology worldwide.
“This project not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but highlights the critical role of collaboration in driving the energy transition forward,” Pieton added.
