SSE Thermal and Equinor launch consultation for new Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station

SSE Thermal and Equinor are seeking feedback from the local community on their plans to develop and operate one of the UK’s first power stations equipped with carbon capture technology at Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.

The formal consultation stage for the project opens today (Monday 23 August) and aims to provide local stakeholders with opportunities to find out more about the plans, meet the project team, and provide their views and feedback on the proposal.

As Scotland’s only major thermal power station, 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 Carbon Capture Power Station, as a new decarbonised power station at the site, would continue to provide this essential flexible and efficient power in a net zero world.

Situated on Scotland’s east coast, Peterhead is ideally placed for carbon capture technology, with access to essential CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure being developed through the Scottish Cluster, which is being led by the Acorn CCS 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.

The UK Government has committed to supporting the deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure in four industrial clusters by 2030. The Scottish Cluster is among those aiming to become one of two ‘Track 1’ clusters supported by the mid-2020s. Given the readiness of carbon capture technology in power generation, projects like Peterhead would stimulate the development of CCS infrastructure across Scotland, into which other energy and industrial emitters can then connect to capture and store their emissions. This will accelerate Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy, while safeguarding vital Scottish industries and helping to ensure a just transition for workers and communities.

Andrew Underwood, Project Manager for the Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station project said: “As Scotland looks to lead the way in the transition to net zero, we believe Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station can play a key role, decarbonising essential power generation and stimulating wider low-carbon investment. Ahead of COP26 in Glasgow this year, there is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on carbon capture technology, which will play a vital role in decarbonising both energy and industry, while ensuring a just transition for workers and communities. 

“We’re delighted to be launching the formal consultation stage for Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station and look forward to receiving feedback from local stakeholders. The existing Peterhead Power Station has been a part of the local community for decades and SSE Thermal and Equinor want to continue to build on that positive relationship. The views and feedback of the community are hugely important to us as we continue to develop the project.”

The Peterhead Carbon Capture 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, in line with UK Government ambitions for ‘Track 1’ industrial cluster projects and the proposed timelines for the Acorn Project.

In order to reach as many people as possible, and because of continued uncertainty around the Covid-19 restrictions, SSE Thermal and Equinor are providing both virtual and face-to-face opportunities to find out more about the project. See www.ssethermal.com/peterheadccs for full details.