A proposed power plant in Yorkshire is a step closer to being the UK’s first carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, having received €180m from the European Commission to develop the technology.

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive at regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, said, 'Securing the first project is a vital step in developing a region wide CCS cluster. This decision catapults our region on to the global stage as a leader in demonstrating commercial scale CCS'.

The 900MW Hatfield plant, operated by Powerfuel plc, will use CCS technology, which involves liquefying carbon dioxide emissions by burning fossil fuels and then pumping it out to depleted gas fields. The location is ideal because of its proximity to a number of power stations that are close to depleted gas fields in the North Sea where carbon can be safely stored. Within 15 years this could cut CO2 emissions by up to 60mt in the region.

Yorkshire Forward has been working closely with Powerfuel and the National Grid to develop the scheme to build a network of CO2 pipelines linking power stations and major industrial installations across Yorkshire and Humberside. The funding comes from the European Commission’s energy programme recovery fund, which is allocating €1.05bn to CCS, as well as €1.75bn for better international energy links.

Further information

Powerfuel plc

Yorkshire Forward