SSE Thermal and Equinor have revealed plans to develop a new low-carbon power station at Peterhead in Scotland
The Peterhead CCS Power Station could become one of the UK’s first power stations equipped with carbon capture technology.
It is planned to be a new 900MW gas-fired power station fitted with carbon capture technology to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from its emissions.
By capturing up to 1.5 million tonnes (MT) of CO2 each year, the new station alone would achieve 15% of the UK Government’s target to capture 10MT of CO2 annually by 2030.
SSE Thermal’s existing Peterhead Power Station provides critical flexibility to the electricity system, supporting increased penetration from renewable generation while maintaining security of supply.
Peterhead CCS Power Station, as a new decarbonised power station at the site, would continue to provide this flexible and efficient power in a net zero world.
Situated on Scotland’s east coast, the Peterhead site in Aberdeenshire has access to essential CO2 transport and storage infrastructure being developed through the well-advanced Acorn Project.
The Acorn CO2 Storage Site, which will be used by the Acorn Project to safely store CO2, is located about 100km offshore in rock formations deep below the North Sea.
Peterhead CCS Power Station and the Acorn Project both won funding from the UK Government’s £171m pot for the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge Fund in March.
‘A step towards a greener, more sustainable future for Scotland’
Energy minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: “Carbon capture storage technology is one of the most exciting and innovative ways that we’re looking to tackle climate change, and today’s announcement marks a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future for Scotland and the whole UK.
“Once up and running, CO2 emissions saved through this station alone will be the equivalent of taking 60 million cars off the road every year.
“Developing and applying this technology in Scotland will be a key element in the energy transition whilst creating a skills base and jobs on the ground that will endure and grow for decades to come.”
Stephen Wheeler, managing director of SSE Thermal, commented: “We’re delighted to announce this agreement with Equinor today to work together to decarbonise our power generation at Peterhead.
“Through cutting-edge carbon capture technology, we can decarbonise this vital flexible power generation, as well as heavy industry and other hard-to-reach sectors of the economy, which will be crucial in Scotland transitioning to a net zero future.
“Ahead of the critical COP26 conference in Glasgow this year, there is a clear opportunity to demonstrate leadership on CCS, maximising the benefits of a green recovery in industrial regions, and ensuring a just transition for workers and communities.”
Grete Tveit, senior vice president for low carbon solutions at Equinor, added: “We are pleased to be joining SSE Thermal in the development of this world-leading plant at Peterhead.
“It is another important step in the energy partnership between Equinor and SSE. This power station is a milestone for Scotland’s ambitions to create a decarbonised industrial cluster.
“Projects such as these are critical for efforts to reach net zero, contributing to the UK’s goals to become a world leader in low carbon, and also helping ensure a just transition for industrial communities.”
The Peterhead CCS Power Station project is in the development stage and final investment decisions will depend on the progress of the necessary business models and associated infrastructure.
With the appropriate policy mechanisms in place, the new station could come online by 2026.
