Energy giant SSE Thermal is calling on the government to turbocharge the delivery of low-carbon technologies to deliver a net zero power system by 2035.
Highlighting the low carbon developments it is bringing forward on the Humber, including Keadby Three Carbon Capture Power Station, and the Aldbrough Hydrogen Pathfinder, it has set out the steps it believes are required in a new vision.
The company has underlined five key asks of Westminster to unlock a £24 billion investment programme it has, which includes the potential hydrogen-firing for power in its North Lincolnshire cluster.
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Catherine Raw, managing director of SSE Thermal, said: "Renewable power will be at the heart of the UK’s transition to net zero, but we must not ignore the crucial role low-carbon flexible power will play. It will back up that renewable generation when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine, as well as deliver a just transition for affected communities out of high carbon activity."
SSE wants to see:
- Progress the deployment of carbon capture and storage and hydrogen infrastructure in a minimum of four industrial areas by 2030
Support first-of-a-kind carbon capture and storage and hydrogen projects to investment decisions before the end of next year
Increase its ambition for power-fed CCS to 7 to 9GW by 2030, with regular auctions for dispatchable power agreements
Set out a policy ambition for hydrogen in the power sector and a strategy for delivering at least 8GW of hydrogen-capable power stations by 2030
Accelerate the delivery of business models for hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure, to kickstart the hydrogen economy
The release comes ahead of next week’s Spring Budget, and follows up a January call for urgent action.
Ms Raw added: "Keeping the UK on track to a net zero power system by 2035 requires 7-9GW of carbon capture power stations and up to 8GW of hydrogen fired peaking power stations by 2030, alongside significant growth in renewables.
"Developers are ready and we have the projects – now we need Government to grasp the low-carbon mantle and push ahead with the deployment of carbon capture and hydrogen technologies this decade.”
As part of its A Vision for the UK’s Net Zero Transition document, SSE Thermal has also outlined a series of pledges it will keep to during the development of its current and future projects, including the building of domestic supply chain capabilities and local requirement in contracts.
Read next:
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ABP outlines £2b investment as it eyes Net Zero by 2040 in new sustainability strategy
Hornsea Three offshore wind farm could be put on hold if help with soaring costs doesn't emerge
RWE eyeing up carbon capture power station plan for South Humber Bank
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