The Net Zero Teesside carbon capture, utilisation and storage project has been awarded more than £52m in funding to accelerate the development of onshore and offshore low-carbon and hydrogen infrastructure.
The award will be used to deliver the next stage in planning of a flexible gas-fired power station on the Teesworks site.
Net Zero Teesside, a consortium of companies led by BP, has partnered with Zero Carbon Humber to form the Northern Endurance Partnership. This development of an offshore pipeline network will see captured carbon dioxide emissions from both Net Zero Teesside and Zero Carbon Humber transported and permanently stored deep underground.
Net Zero Teesside aims to be up and running within the next five years. Once complete, it could create 5,500 direct jobs during construction and add £450m to the economy each year.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Net Zero Teesside project is the first of its kind anywhere in the world and is a key part of my plan for jobs, a plan that is delivering good-quality, well paid jobs for local people.
“Along with our research and innovation in hydrogen and the recently announced GE Renewables Energy facility also coming to Teesworks, our region is now the go to place for clean energy.”
Mary Lanigan, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, added: “This shows how we can be world-beaters right here in the Tees Valley, by helping deliver a cutting edge project which will deliver thousands of high quality jobs and also a have lasting positive impact on our environment.
“There’s still a long way to go but we will continue to work with all our partners, including industrial leaders from around the world, until this huge project becomes a reality which will boost our economy for generations.”
