UK to sign for its first carbon capture project

The UK signed its first carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) project targeting emissions stemming from industries in the East Coast Cluster area, the UK government announced on Tuesday.

This project is set to begin construction in mid-2025 and represents a significant advancement in the government’s efforts to revitalize industrial regions, address the climate emergency, and promote long-term growth, the announcement stated.

The investment of £21.7 billion ($27.6 billion), along with the government’s recently announced Plan for Change, aims to stimulate economic growth.

Supporting the CCUS industry will help revitalize industrial heartlands and stimulate investment in communities like Teesside.

Scheduled to commence in 2025, the initial project, Net Zero Teesside Power, is projected to deliver secure, low-carbon energy capable of powering up to one million homes starting in 2028.

These agreements will enable £4 billion ($5.09 billion) worth of contracts that will be awarded by projects in the East Coast Cluster to supply chains, supporting UK businesses, driving investment in innovative technology and industries, and creating opportunities for local people.

bp will provide operating services to Net Zero Teesside Power and holds a 75% stake in the project, while Equinor holds 25%.

‘Today’s investment is proof that this government is taking a different approach by putting growth first and investing in the industries of the future. That means thousands of jobs secured in the North East and across the UK for years to come,’ British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

Noting that the project represents another step forward for bp’s overall investment plans in the UK, Louise Kingham, Senior Vice President Europe and head of country, UK for bp said: ‘They harness the skills, talent and determination of an established industrial region and apply them to the UK’s own energy transition. We’re proud of the potential of these projects to help stimulate economic growth by supporting thousands of jobs and helping UK companies prosper through the vast supply chains involved while creating the infrastructure to help major industrial companies with their decarbonization plans.’

• CCUS
• East Coast Cluster area
• UK