More Than 700 Businesses Join Net Zero Teesside Engagement Event

Hundreds of businesses turned out today (27 April) to learn how they can play a part in the development of Net Zero Teesside Power’s pioneering carbon capture, utilisation and storage power plant.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen welcomed more than 700 delegates from across all sectors to a webinar for the bp-led project, a multimillion-pound flexible gas-fired power station with CCUS capabilities. At the introductory event, business bosses heard about the opportunities to get on board, alongside a Q&A and presentations from key figures involved in the project.

Net Zero Teesside Power – which will provide low-carbon electricity for up to 1.3million homes – is part of the East Coast Cluster, which is the UK Government’s preferred project to lead the UK’s net zero ambitions as part of its Carbon Capture and Usage and Storage cluster sequencing process.

The East Coast Cluster has the potential to capture up to 20million tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year from a range of businesses across Teesside, including Net Zero Teesside Power, and store it under the North Sea via a series of pipes.

This is the latest stakeholder engagement event for a major project coming to the region, just days after Kellas Midstream showcased its plans for the H2NorthEast low-carbon blue hydrogen production facility to stakeholders. SeAH Wind has also recently spoken to 180 local companies about how they can get involved with its mammoth offshore wind monopile factory.

Work is progressing quickly on Net Zero Teesside Power. Late last year plans were submitted to remediate 150 acres of land at its proposed site at Teesworks, with the first contracts for a design and development competition awarded to two engineering consortiums.

The scheme aims to be up and running within the next five years and could create up to 4000 jobs during its construction.

Mayor Houchen said: “As more and more game-changing projects are becoming a reality right now in our region, we’re determined to do all we can to help our brilliant supply chain businesses – from construction and engineering to digital, professional services and many more besides – benefit from these fantastic opportunities.

“Net Zero Teesside Power is leading our local ambitions, and that of the UK, to create a UK-first decarbonised industrial cluster. It is one of our key schemes as we drive forward the safer, cleaner and healthier sectors of tomorrow and there is a huge chance for local businesses to benefit.

“When complete, Net Zero Teesside will be creating the well-paid, good-quality jobs of tomorrow, but as it’s developed it will give a boost to firms operating across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. I was delighted to welcome these companies to this webinar to show them the part they can play in creating this massive facility.”

Gareth Suller, Procurement Lead, NZT Power, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to engage with the local and regional supply chain on this first-of-its-kind project. Net Zero Teesside Power has great ambitions that will be beneficial to all companies involved in the project, especially those with connections in Teesside and play a crucial part in the East Coast Cluster’s overarching goals.”