SSE Thermal seeking feedback on plans for UK’s first CCS power station at Keadby 3

SSE Thermal has today opened ‘stage two’ of its public consultation on its proposed Keadby 3 project in North Lincolnshire, which could become the UK’s first power station equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology by the mid-2020s.

In line with its vision for a net-zero future, SSE Thermal has committed to only build power stations with a clear route to decarbonisation. SSE Thermal believes that low-carbon flexible thermal generation will be an essential part of the electricity generation mix in order to deliver security of supply through a renewables-led transition. With an electrical output of up to 910MW, Keadby 3 Power Station will use natural gas as its fuel and will be fitted with a carbon capture plant to remove the CO₂ from its emissions.

The UK Government recently announced its ambition for the UK to become a world-leader in CCS technology, with a target to remove 10MT of CO₂ by 2030. Keadby 3 is expected to offset at least 1.5MT of CO₂ – 15% of the Government’s target.

Keadby 3 will connect to the shared infrastructure being developed through the Zero Carbon Humber partnership to transport the captured CO₂ and store it offshore. The Zero Carbon Humber partnership is focused on using shared CCS and hydrogen infrastructure to decarbonise energy generation and heavy industry in the region, unlocking billions of pounds of investment in projects like Keadby 3 and creating and safeguarding thousands of local jobs.

Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg and Goole, said: “The Humber plays a crucial role in the UK’s industrial heritage and I am encouraged to see plans to deliver new low-carbon infrastructure in the region, which can safeguard jobs and create a thriving future. Carbon capture and storage technology is a key part of the UK’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. I have been working with colleagues in the area to understand more about SSE Thermal’s proposal for Keadby 3 and would encourage members of the local community to engage with the consultation process which is a key next step in the development of the project.”

Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Thermal, said: “As we transition to a net-zero future, it’s essential we’re decarbonising our flexible power generation to complement the rapid expansion of renewable energy on the system. Through carbon capture and storage technology, we can remove the emissions from gas-fired power stations, helping to ensure security of supply while delivering major regional investment and supporting high-quality jobs.

“As we look ahead to COP26 next year, the UK has a clear opportunity to take a leadership position on CCS, as it has with offshore wind, accelerating the shift to a net-zero economy. Projects like Keadby 3 can play a key role in driving a green economic recovery in industrial regions and ensuring a just transition for workers and communities.”

Public Consultation and Exhibition Details

The ‘stage two’ public consultation for the Keadby 3 project will run from 25 November 2020 to 5pm on Wednesday 20 January 2021.

Due to ongoing restrictions preventing face-to-face events, the SSE Thermal project team has created a virtual exhibition which can be found online at https://keadby3.consultation.ai/ The exhibition room has been designed to be accessed using all devices, including smartphones, tablets and desktop computers.

A series of live webinars will take place throughout the consultation period, giving community members and stakeholders the opportunity to learn more about the proposed development and ask questions directly to members of the project team. Further details can be found in the virtual exhibition room and on the project website: www.ssethermal.com/keadby3