AECOM is bringing what is being described as ‘the world’s first full chain carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) project from gas-fired power generation’ to a key planning milestone. 

Net Zero Teesside (NZT) will be the UK’s first commercial scale, full chain CCUS project. It aims to decarbonise a group of carbon-intensive Teesside industries as early as 2030. It will have the potential to capture up to 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per year, the equivalent to the annual energy use of up to three-million homes in the UK.

“CCUS is an essential part of the transition to net zero in the UK within the next 30 years as it enables the capture of carbon from industrial sources as well as providing flexible low carbon electricity to support renewable electricity generation,” said Dr. Richard Lowe, AECOM’s director of Power and Industrial Consents. “Our work with communities in the north-east will enable the region to accelerate its move towards a low carbon, sustainable future, whilst at the same time boosting the local economy.”

NZT will be built on regenerated former steelworks land in Redcar. The construction project involves both onshore and offshore work, with a new gas-fired power station, incorporating the latest carbon capture technology. CO₂ from the power station and local industries will be captured, gathered through a CO₂ pipeline network, compressed and transported for permanent storage at a suitable offshore geological site under the North Sea.

The second stage of public consultation for the project has now started and it will run until the end of September. Once views and feedback have been considered, AECOM will finalise the Development Consent Order (DCO) application and supporting Environmental Statement for the project, which will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate early next year.

The project, spearheaded by client BP and its partners, is set to boost the north-east economy by around £450m per year during the constructing phase, including the creation of around 5,500 construction jobs.

AECOM has been part of the project development team from the outset, providing a range of services including preparation of the DCO application, preparing the environmental impact assessment, providing consultation support including public and virtual consultation, offering geotechnical and remediation advice, and helping to develop best available techniques for carbon capture facilities.