On Thursday, 18 July 2024, SCCS enjoyed attending a highly informative and well-organised visit to the site of the proposed Peterhead Carbon Capture Power Station hosted by NECCUS and SSE Thermal. This visit provided a unique opportunity to understand the future of carbon capture technology in Scotland. The day began with lunch at the Buchan Braes Hotel in Boddam, Peterhead. The atmosphere was both reflective and optimistic.
During lunch, several presentations provided key updates on the project, which will provide essential, reliable, baseload electricity generation to complement intermittent renewables while preventing resulting CO2 emissions from reaching the atmosphere:
- Steve Mangan (SSE) and Bente Johannesen (Equinor) highlighted the facility’s role as a key anchor project for the Scottish Cluster and its capacity to capture 2 million tonnes of CO2 annually, contributing significantly to the UK’s carbon reduction targets.
- David Holman (Storegga) detailed the economic and employment benefits of the Acorn Project, emphasizing its potential to store 5-10 million tonnes of CO2 per annum by 2030. He highlighted the project's substantial contributions to the UK and Scotland's economy, including the creation of 10,800 jobs across the UK, showcasing its significant impact on both the job market and the nation's efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions.
- Ryo Yamada (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) explained the carbon capture process designed specifically for the Peterhead Power Station and shared the intriguing story of Thomas Blake Glover, known as the Scottish Samurai, highlighting the historical connection between Scotland and Mitsubishi/Japan.
- Karen Watt (SSE) highlighted positive community engagement initiatives and the enthusiasm for climate action in local schools.
Lunch concluded with Tom Snow (SSE), Engineering Manager, Peterhead Carbon Capture Project Engineering, who elaborated on Thomas Blake Glover’s legacy and drew connections between historical and modern international collaborations.
After the presentations, attendees toured the perimeter fence of the Peterhead Power Station to gain a closer understanding of the site where the carbon capture plant will be located.
In the afternoon, we embarked on a scenic walk along the proposed CO2 offtake line from North Peterhead to St Fergus. The walk offered stunning coastal views and provided a platform for informal discussions about the practical aspects of the CO2 transport infrastructure and its integration with the local environment.
The day concluded in Fraserburgh with a traditional fish supper from Glover & Co, followed by the ceremonial planting of a Japanese maple in the garden at Thomas Glover’s birthplace. The evening was enriched by the recitation of haikus, which added a touch of cultural appreciation and reflection to the environmental consciousness of the event.
The visit underscored the collaborative efforts of SSE, Equinor, Storegga, MHI, and NECCUS in advancing CCS technology. As we look forward to the next steps, the event highlighted the importance of continued innovation, economic investment, and community engagement in achieving Scotland’s and the UK’s net-zero ambitions.
Thank you to NECCUS and SSE Thermal for an inspiring day.
