The Humber has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support its heavy industry, power company VPI has said.
The firm, which is behind electricity and steam generation for the Humber's two large oil refineries and a combined heat and power plant at Immingham, is preparing £1.5bn carbon capture plans. It says the proposal is investment-ready and has the potential to create 1,500 jobs at peak construction with permanent high value jobs to follow.
VPI says the scheme will ensure its refineries can operate for decades to come. Now it has asked for Government backing in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review - calling for it to be made the anchor emitter for the Viking CCS project, which could yield another 20,000 jobs
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Jorge Pikunic, chief executive of VPI, said: “Carbon capture and storage provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn the Humber into a powerhouse of the future. If missed, it may not come again. For the last five years, public officials have worked tirelessly with industry to set in motion the development of Viking CCS, a unique carbon capture and storage network, here in the Humber.
“Proceeding with the next stage of Viking CCS now will demonstrate how a strategic, mission-driven government can successfully transition an industrial hub into a future powerhouse, in a prudent, value-for money driven, just and meaningful way.”
If VPI is chosen as one of the first emitter projects for the Viking CCS network it could lead to private capital investment to retrofit its power plant with carbon capture technology. It says that retrofitting such technology onto its Immingham plant is more cost effect than building a new plant, with carbon capture and storage, from scratch.
VPI also points out that retrofitting will clean up existing emitter sites ahead of rolling out the availability of transportation and storage facilities to other large-scale emitters in the region. Making the case for Viking CCS, it says the project will use existing depleted gas fields and offshore pipeline infrastructure, requiring a 50km onshore pipeline.
Brigg and Immingham MP, Martin Vickers said: “The various projects that are waiting for Government approval are vital for the development of the Humber economy, more so with the uncertainty at British Steel, and the national interest. I urge the Government to reach a decision as a matter of urgency.”
Jason Stockwood, Labour's mayoral candidate for Greater Lincolnshire, visited VPI last week. He said: “I will be speaking directly with Government to press for urgent backing of the VPI and Viking CCS project. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure thousands of skilled jobs, decarbonise heavy industry and put Greater Lincolnshire at the forefront of the 海角视频’s clean energy future. I fully support this investment and will do everything I can to help make it a reality.”