The planning process for the development of what could become the first power station equipped with carbon capture and storage technology has moved to the formal consultation stage.
SSE Thermal’s Keadby Three project in North Lincolnshire will enter a virtual exhibition process due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 910MW site is proposed to play an “essential part of the electricity generation mix in order to deliver security of supply through a renewables-led transition” - using low-carbon flexible thermal generation on the cluster site where one station already operates and another is being built.
It would link into the shared infrastructure being developed as part of the Zero Carbon Humber partnership, transporting CO2 offshore.
A series of live webinars will take place throughout the consultation period - open from today for almost two months - providing the opportunity to learn more and ask questions of the project team, with a ‘ ’ setting developed to host all the information.
The power station is eyed up for delivery in the mid-2020s, on the footprint of the site - also home to an onshore wind farm - west of the River Trent.
Stephen Wheeler, managing director of SSE Thermal, said: “As we transition to a net-zero future, it’s essential we’re decarbonising our flexible power generation to complement the rapid expansion of renewable energy on the system. Through carbon capture and storage technology, we can remove the emissions from gas-fired power stations, helping to ensure security of supply while delivering major regional investment and supporting high-quality jobs.
“As we look ahead to COP26 next year, the Ƶ has a clear opportunity to take a leadership position on CCS, as it has with offshore wind, accelerating the shift to a net-zero economy. Projects like Keadby Three can play a key role in driving a green economic recovery in industrial regions and ensuring a just transition for workers and communities.”
The Ƶ Government recently announced its ambition for the Ƶ to become a world-leader as part of the 10-point plan - which has increased an initial funding pot to £1 billion.
With a target to remove 10 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030, Mr Wheeler said Keadby Three is expected to offset at least 1.5 million tonnes - 15 per cent of the target.
The wider scheme, led by Equinor with SSE and 10 other partners committed - as well as a joint venture Northern Endurance Partnership with the Teesside cluster for storage - is primed to unlock billions of pounds of investment in projects, creating and safeguarding thousands of local jobs.
Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg and Goole, said: “The Humber plays a crucial role in the Ƶ’s industrial heritage and I am encouraged to see plans to deliver new low-carbon infrastructure in the region, which can safeguard jobs and create a thriving future.
“Carbon capture and storage technology is a key part of the Ƶ’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. I have been working with colleagues in the area to understand more about SSE Thermal’s proposal for Keadby Three and would encourage members of the local community to engage with the consultation process which is a key next step in the development of the project.”
