March 15th 2024
Contractors selected for a £4bn net zero project in Teesside
The decision has been hailed as a ‘transformational’ moment for jobs and Teesworks’ ambition to become the global capital for green energy innovation.
Net Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) have selected contractors for engineering, procurement, and construction contracts with a combined value of around £4bn.
Amongst those selected is Liberty Steel – an organisation based in Hartlepool. Both NZT and NEP have added that this investment represents a signification opportunity for both the local and UK supply chain.
Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, said: ‘We are delivering the highly-skilled, well-paid jobs of the future as part of these world-leading developments that have established our area as a world-leading centre in the clean, green industries of the future.
‘This would be the single biggest investment in Teesside since the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). It cannot be understated the transformational economic impact this will have right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
‘This £4bn investment will provide huge opportunities for our incredible local businesses and it is fantastic that our area is already benefitting through the selection of Liberty Steel.’
In addition, through these new contracts, work that began in 2023 to clear and prepare the former Redcar Blast Furnace site by Teesworks Ltd – the UK’s largest and most connected industrial zone, that is home to sustainable and low-carbon activity – for NZT Power is set to continue.
Teesworks chairman Chris Musgrave said: ‘This is another major milestone and shows the massive impact Teesworks is bringing to the local economy in terms of jobs and investment.
‘We’ve worked hard to prepare the site and now the contractors have been selected, it means we are moving forward at pace on this transformational project.
‘NZT Power is a key part our green energy drive, feeding into the net zero ambitions of existing businesses and becoming a prime asset for others looking to relocate here. This shows the speed at which we’re moving for the good of local people and the region.’
Siobhan McArdle, Tees Valley Business Board chair, said: ‘This is outstanding news for the region and delivers huge opportunities for our supply chains and local businesses.
‘We are working closely with businesses of all sizes to develop and deliver the support and skills development programmes they need so that they capitalise on the opportunities that come from this and other projects.
‘Businesses unsure about the opportunities that exist across the Tees Valley, both immediate and in the pipeline, should contact the Business Board directly for support and guidance.’
NZT Power – led by partners bp and Equinor – last month received planning approval by the secretary of state after a detailed process lasting more than two years. The company is aiming to create the world’s first gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage capability and will help drive Teesside’s aim to become the UK’s first decarbonised industrial cluster as early as 2030.
Image: Jude Smart
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