A leading Humber decarbonisation project that could see the first gas-fired power station equipped with carbon capture technology emerge in the UK, has taken a significant step forward.
The front end engineering design contract for SSE Thermal and Equinor’s new-build Keadby Three plant has been awarded to a consortium of sector specialists.
Aker Solutions, Siemens Energy and Doosan Babcock will work together to “bring their vast technological expertise” to deliver the detailed plan over the next 12 months.
Read more: Carbon capturing £2b Humber Zero project opens to the public as consenting journey begins
Aker Carbon Capture will support with the carbon capture element of the flexible 910MW addition - a third power station for the cluster west of Scunthorpe.
It is proposed to connect to the Zero Carbon Humber project, itself part of the East Coast Cluster, the government’s forerunner in carbon capture use and storage - seen as vital to get heavy industry to Net Zero.
Catherine Raw, managing director of SSE Thermal, said: “Our ambition with Keadby Three is to deliver one of the UK’s first power stations equipped with carbon capture and through awarding this contract we continue to build momentum behind that goal.
"The proposed low-carbon plant at Keadby would not only provide vital flexible power while backing up renewables, it could also play a key role in meeting decarbonisation targets. The reality is that multiple power-CCS projects will be needed to reach Net Zero and we hope to see the UK Government recognise that when it provides an update on cluster sequencing this summer.”
Keadby Three is currently with the planning inspectorate, with a report being prepared and recommendation being made for the Secretary of State, with a September deadline.
Grete Tveit, senior vice president for low carbon solutions at Equinor, said: "The award of the FEED contract by Keadby Three Carbon Capture Power Station is an important milestone and builds momentum to make the Humber one of the world's first net zero industrial regions by 2040.
"We look forward to working with Aker Solutions, Siemens Energy and Doosan Babcock to deliver what could be the UK's first power station equipped with carbon capture to remove CO2 from its emissions. Just as important, Keadby Three will also provide tangible benefits for the local supply chain, while securing jobs in the region."
Whitehall has set ambitious targets for the country to become a world leader in carbon capture and storage, and Keadby Three would have the ability to capture up to 1.5 million tonnes of carbon annually, around five per cent of the Government’s 2030 target.
Jason Brown, senior vice president of UK renewables at Aker Solutions, said: “We, along with our consortium partners, are excited to be contributing to this crucial project which will significantly advance carbon capture in the UK. Together with Siemens Energy and Doosan Babcock, we’re drawing on collective strengths and over 450 years of combined industry experience to power the UK’s net zero journey.”
SSE Thermal and Equinor are also working in collaboration on two further projects in the Humber. Keadby Hydrogen would be the world’s first 100 per cent hydrogen-fuelled power station, on the same site, while Aldbrough Hydrogen Storage in East Yorkshire, would be one of the world's largest hydrogen storage facilities. The two companies are also developing Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station, situated on the Aberdeenshire coast in Scotland.
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