Peterhead CCS Power Station could capture carbon

Peterhead CCS Power Station is planned to be a new 900 MW gas-fired power station fitted with carbon capture technology to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from its emissions. By capturing up to 1.5mn tonnes of CO2 each year, the new station could achieve 15% of the UK government’s target to capture CO2 annually by 2030.

SSE Thermal says its existing Peterhead Power Station (pictured) provides critical flexibility to Scotland’s electricity system, supporting increased penetration from renewable generation while maintaining security of supply. Peterhead CCS Power Station would continue to provide this essential flexible and efficient power in a net zero world.

Situated on Scotland’s east coast, the Peterhead site in Aberdeenshire is ideally placed for carbon capture technology, with access to essential CO2 transport and storage infrastructure being developed through the well-advanced Acorn Project, says SSE. The Acorn CO2 Storage Site is located about 100 km offshore in rock formations deep below the North Sea. 

Peterhead CCS Power Station and the Acorn Project both won funding from the government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge Fund in March.

However, the Peterhead CCS Power Station project is still in the development stage, says SSE Thermal, and final investment decisions will depend on the progress of the necessary business models and associated infrastructure.