[IMPACT Interview]
NZT Power: Leading the UK’s Low-Carbon Energy and CCS Revolution

[IMPACT Interview] NZT Power: Leading the UK’s Low-Carbon Energy and CCS Revolution

Introduction:

At the Carbon Capture Global Summit, we spoke with Ian Hunter, EVP Corporate Public Affairs and Managing Director for Net Zero Teesside (NZT) Power, about the project’s significance as one of the UK’s flagship decarbonization initiatives. NZT Power aims to become the world’s first gas-fired power station equipped with carbon capture, expected to generate 742 MW of low-carbon electricity—enough to power over one million homes—while capturing up to 95% of CO₂ emissions, supporting the UK’s 2030 Clean Power ambition.

Key Takeaways:

1. NZT Power will deliver flexible, low-carbon power that complements renewable energy

Ian explained that the project provides critical balancing capacity to support the UK’s rapidly expanding renewable generation, particularly offshore wind. While renewables are essential, their intermittency requires a reliable low-carbon backup to ensure grid stability. NZT Power fills that role by integrating carbon capture technology into natural gas power, enabling the UK to maintain energy security while driving toward net-zero electricity.

2. Shifting to a regional, cluster-based decarbonization model unlocked scale and national importance

A pivotal moment occurred in 2018, when the project evolved from a standalone power station concept to becoming the anchor project of a wider Teesside industrial cluster. This cluster approach transforms NZT Power from simply a power producer into a catalyst for industrial decarbonization across the region, helping reduce emissions for multiple heavy industries and strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in low-carbon infrastructure. It also positioned the project to play a central role in the UK’s strategic clean-power system.

3. Partnership, trust, and commercial creativity are essential to delivering complex first-of-a-kind projects

Ian emphasized that developing such a large-scale, integrated facility requires deep collaboration between partners including bp, Equinor, and the Northern Endurance Partnership, as well as government. A strong public-private relationship based on transparency and shared goals has proven critical to progress. Given the absence of established commercial models for CCS power, Ian highlighted the need for flexibility, innovation, and problem-solving beyond standard industry frameworks, noting that building a new sector requires willingness to experiment and co-develop solutions.

4. NZT Power is delivering major regional economic and social benefits

The project is expected to support approximately 3,000 construction jobs and around 1,000 operational roles, with more than 50% UK-sourced content, creating a long-term low-carbon supply chain in the Teesside region. Investments in apprenticeships, vocational training, and partnerships with schools and colleges are building a skilled workforce for the future. This positions Teesside as a global hub for clean-energy technology, driving new local industry and attracting fresh investment.

5. NZT Power will help shape global carbon-capture deployment and inspire international replication

As the world’s first gas power station with CCS, NZT Power is already drawing attention from governments and industrial leaders worldwide, with numerous delegations visiting to learn from its experience. Major contractors are using the project as a template to explore similar opportunities internationally. Ian shared that the UK government’s approach to developing low-carbon business models is likely to influence global regulatory frameworks, enabling broader adoption of CCS technologies and supporting UK expertise in new export markets.