The Net Zero Teesside Power project, a joint venture between BP and Equinor, has selected Sulzer’s carbon capture technology for its groundbreaking gas-fired power plant in the UK.
Sulzer, a global leader in separation technology, has announced its selection to provide crucial carbon capture internals for the ambitious Net Zero Teesside (NZT) Power project in northeast England. This landmark initiative, a joint venture between energy giants BP and Equinor, is set to become the world’s first gas-fired power plant with an integrated carbon capture unit, playing a pivotal role in the UK’s journey towards its net-zero emissions targets.
The NZT Power project, with an expected startup in 2028, will generate up to 740 megawatts of flexible, low-carbon power, capable of meeting the average annual electricity needs of over 1 million UK homes. More significantly, it aims to capture an astounding two million tonnes of CO2 annually, which will then be permanently stored offshore in the North Sea. This represents a significant leap forward in the practical application of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies at scale.
Sulzer’s contribution to this groundbreaking project will involve the design, manufacture, and supply of essential proprietary internals for the carbon capture unit. This includes advanced column internals and its highly efficient MellapakCC™ technology. MellapakCC™ is specifically designed to maximize CO2 removal while minimizing pressure drop, leading to lower energy consumption and improved overall performance of the carbon capture process.
Tim Schulten, President of Sulzer’s Chemtech Division, expressed immense pride in the company’s involvement. “This milestone carbon capture project marks a turning point in industrial decarbonization,” Schulten stated. “We’re proud that Sulzer’s technology was chosen to maximize CO2 removal while supporting the UK’s net-zero goals. We strive to deliver innovative solutions that help our customers drive the energy transition.”
The Net Zero Teesside Power project is not just a standalone endeavor; it is a crucial component in kick-starting the UK’s strategically designated carbon capture and storage (CCS) clusters. These clusters are designed to facilitate the widespread decarbonization of industries by collectively capturing and safely storing industrial CO2 emissions. Given the continued importance of natural gas combustion for energy security, this project serves as a powerful demonstration of how next-generation CCS can effectively mitigate its carbon footprint.
The project’s execution is being managed by an impressive consortium, with Technip Energies serving as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor, leading the group that includes GE Vernova and local construction partner Balfour Beatty. Technology partner Shell Catalysts & Technologies further strengthens the consortium’s capabilities. NZT Power will leverage Technip Energies’ reliable post-combustion carbon capture solution, “Canopy by T.EN™,” which is powered by Shell’s CANSOLV® CO2 Capture System.
