Overview
NZT Power, the first commercial power station equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS), is expected to generate 860 MW to support UK's aim for net zero goals—while creating 4,000 jobs.
The challenge
Teesside is exploring how to help reduce emissions from power generation to support the UK's goal to decarbonize the power sector by 2035.
The solution
The NZT Power facility will integrate GE Vernova’s 9HA.02 gas turbine with carbon capture technology to generate low-carbon power for Northern England. As the plant powers the region, carbon abatement technology will capture up to 2 million tons of CO2 annually and transport it via pipeline to secure offshore storage.
Outcomes
Building the blueprint for decarbonized power
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We are excited to collaborate with GE Vernova and Balfour Beatty on the first-of-its kind Net Zero Teesside Power project. ...This groundbreaking project represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to help advance carbon capture technology at scale and aims to support the UK's ambitious climate goals.
Arnaud Pieton
CEO of Technip Energies
NZT Power represents a landmark effort to tackle industrial emissions while supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy future. With £22 billion in government funding dedicated to advancing CCS technologies, the project is part of a broader plan to bring more sustainable change to Teesside’s carbon-intensive industrial cluster. The facility will be powered by GE Vernova’s 9HA.02 gas turbine, a steam turbine, a generator, a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, all integrated with Technip Energies' carbon capture and compression system.
A critical feature of the plant’s engineering is GE Vernova’s EGR technology, which recycles CO2-rich flue gas back to the turbine inlet. By increasing the concentration of CO2 in the exhaust, this innovative system helps reduce energy and solvent demands, and lowers overall operational costs. This integration not only boosts performance but also aims to set a benchmark for future CCS projects to achieve greater environmental and operational impact.
NZT Power is a key step toward the UK’s 2035 climate goals, showcasing how advanced technologies can help decarbonize industrial regions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By providing more reliable low-carbon power, the project will not only stabilize the grid but also complement the expansion of renewable energy sources, providing consistent supply even during periods of low wind or solar generation. NZT Power exemplifies the integration of cutting-edge technologies like CCS and EGR technology, making it a global model for combining innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to help drive the energy transition forward and encourage deployment of similar projects worldwide.
A closer look
How the EGR system's components work
The EGR system, part of NZT Power’s carbon capture technology, consists of several components working together to recycle flue gas from the exhaust back to the turbine inlet. Below is a step-by-step guide detailing how this process enhances operational efficiency.
1. Inlet and flue gas mixer
This mixes the recycled flue gas with the fresh air that enters through the inlet. It is crucial to 1) have a low pressure drop through the gas turbine inlet and 2) achieve a well-mixed flow before it enters the gas turbine.
2. Gas turbine and controls
The controls system has three primary functions: 1) managing the startup and shutdown of the EGR system, 2) controlling its activity during normal operations and 3) providing protection if there is an unexpected event.
3. Flue gas fan
The fan drives the recycled flue gas down the duct so it can reach the inlet. Alternatively, the gas turbine can run on high back pressure and eliminate the need for a flue gas fan.
4. Direct contact cooler
The DCC acts as a spray of cold water. This reduces the recycled flue gas temperature to improve performance. Furthermore, an enhanced DCC (eDCC) reduces SOx, NOx, and particulate matter.
5. Flue gas inlet
The flue gas inlet controls the EGR flow back into the gas turbine system during operation and provides isolation when the EGR system is off for maintenance.
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