UK Greenlights Major Carbon Capture Projects in Teesside
Government-backed initiatives aim to create 2,000 jobs, cut emissions, and bolster energy security in northern England.
- Contracts have been signed for two carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Teesside, set to begin construction in mid-2025 and operational by 2028.
- The projects, led by BP, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, include a gas-fired power plant with carbon capture and a CO2 storage facility under the North Sea.
- The government has committed £22 billion over 25 years to CCS development, with £4 billion in contracts expected to be awarded for these projects.
- The initiatives are projected to capture up to 4 million tonnes of CO2 annually initially, scaling to 23 million tonnes by 2035, supporting the UK's net-zero 2050 target.
- Critics warn CCS could extend reliance on fossil fuels, but officials and advocates argue it is essential for reducing industrial emissions and revitalizing regional economies.