Plans for Runcorn zero carbon power plant unveiled

HyNet North West and independent power producer InterGen have released plans to collaborate to create a low carbon power station at InterGen’s Rocksavage Power plant in Liverpool City Region.

Expected to begin in the mid-2020s, the partnership could reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the power station in Runcorn by more than 150,000 tonnes each year, the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the road every year.

The plans are part of an ever increasing list of benefits to the region from HyNet North West.

Situated across one of the UK’s largest industrial areas which supports the highest number of manufacturing jobs of any UK region , HyNet North West will bring clean growth to safeguard jobs, and create thousands of new employment opportunities.

HyNet North West will begin decarbonising the North West and North Wales region from as soon as 2025, replacing fossil fuels currently used for electricity generation, industry, heating homes and transportation with clean hydrogen. The project will also capture and lock up carbon which is currently emitted into the atmosphere.

InterGen has owned and operated the gas-fired Rocksavage plant for nearly 25 years. It anticipates that by 2028, Rocksavage will have enough hydrogen produced by HyNet to move towards a 100% net zero power generation power station as the gas turbine technology becomes available.

InterGen’s Rocksavage plant manager, Dan Fosberg, said: “Rocksavage has been safely generating energy to power the North West for nearly 25 years. But in order to meet the UK’s net zero targets, traditional generation needs to adapt. HyNet North West will allow us to pivot our operations as we transition to a low carbon world.

“The proximity of the Rocksavage Power Plant to the HyNet North West hydrogen network provides us with an exciting and unique opportunity. As soon as the first stage of the hydrogen network is available at Runcorn, InterGen intend to modify the existing generating plant to consume a blend of hydrogen with natural gas and start to reduce our emissions.”

He added: “The HyNet North West project milestones mean that Rocksavage could be the first plant in the UK to blend Hydrogen with natural gas, a step forward for the industry in the target for net zero. Once the gas turbine technology becomes available, we will explore options with HyNet North West to create a zero emissions power station using 100% hydrogen.”

The project will play a big part in supporting Liverpool City Region in its commitment to reach zero carbon by 2040 and accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: “Putting the Liverpool City Region at the heart of the Green Industrial Revolution is one of my top priorities. With our existing strengths in green energy, we have the potential to become the UK’s renewable energy coast.

“I am committed to doubling the number of green jobs in our region and exciting projects like HyNet will be a key part of that. We’re going to lead the way, not only in doing our bit to tackle climate change, but in pioneering new and innovative technology that, in turn, attracts more jobs and investment to our region.”

David Parkin, HyNet North West project director, said: “HyNet North West will play a big part in tackling climate change across the region from 2025 by reducing the region’s carbon emissions by 25% within just five years.

“It will ensure the region remains an attractive location for investment and for companies to grow through the establishment of a clean economy, protection of skilled jobs and creation of thousands of new long term employment opportunities.

“Our partnership with InterGen at Rocksavage shows just how great an impact HyNet will have on the region – decarbonising homes, workplaces, travel and industry.”

In the Circle North West is an online sustainability conference taking place on June 30, focusing on the opportunities and investments that will seek to transform the region’s economy. Check out the speaker line-up and agenda, and book your free place at www.inthecircle.co.uk/the-north-west-agenda/