02.11.2023
Steering the UK and Ireland Towards a Low Cabon-Future
“Our commitment lies in actively exploring opportunities for low-carbon power generation at our existing sites through the implementation of carbon capture and hydrogen solutions’’, says Xiaomian Baxter, SSE.
At present, SSE Thermal is making significant strides in the north-east of Scotland and the Humber area in England, where it is focusing on capturing substantial emissions of CO2. Baxter adds, “In this endeavor, we have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with TCM.”
“Can you give a brief description of the projects the company is running, and which includes the capture of CO2?”
“We are currently advancing plans at Keadby in the Humber and Peterhead in northeast Scotland. Both of which would be large scale power stations capturing around 95 percent of emissions. These proposed plants would link into the shared CO2 and hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure being developed in the respective industrial clusters.”
“What are the most important success factors for succeeding in capturing CO2 in the project?”
“We are focused on a natural gas-fired power plant coupled with CCS. Which needs to be flexible, and achieve high CO2 capture efficiency with the lowest energy consumption possible. So most importantly, the plant needs to work as intended first time and be safe.”
“Why did SSE Thermal choose to partner with TCM?”
“TCM has over 10 years of solvent testing and plant operation experience at the world’s largest CCS test facility. We saw the value of fast-tracking our CCS design and operational knowledge by learning from TCM’s experience and expertise.”
“How has TCM contributes additional value to the project?”
“We had a test campaign at TCM in 2020. We were looking at the dispatchable operation of CCS plant. Which was not investigated extensively in the past. The test campaign provided us with opportunities to learn about how a capture plant is operated. And how key parameters contribute to the plant’s performance.”
“What would SSE Thermal like to highlight as a benefit of the collaboration with TCM?”
“I would like to highlight the following:
- We gain valuable insights from their plant operation experience of over 10 years
- We have the opportunity for direct conversations and learning from experienced plant operators
- TCM provides excellent consultancy services to support SSE’s pre-FEED and FEED studies.”
“What is the decarbonization vision of your company?”
“SSE Thermal’s vision is to become the leading provider of flexible thermal energy in a net zero world.”
“Could you share some insights into your company’s roadmap for achieving its decarbonization goals?”
“SSE has a target to reduce its carbon intensity by 80 percent by 2030. At SSE Thermal, we are actively developing carbon capture and hydrogen projects which will allow us to continue to keep the lights on while supporting the UK’s net zero drive. And at Keadby, we own and operate one of the world’s most efficient gas-fired power stations and are exploring hydrogen blending into the plant. Additionally, our Keadby 3 Carbon Capture project is the UK’s only power CCS project with development consent order.”
“Could you also discuss the primary challenge that keeps you engaged and the exciting opportunity that motivates you?”
“The current ambition of the UK Government is to have a net zero power system by 2035. To reach that milestone, we must accelerate the decarbonization of the power sector. Which means bringing forward low-carbon projects urgently. In doing so, we can increase the pace towards net zero while delivering a just transition for workers and communities in the UK’s industrial heartlands.”