A clash over future energy assets has delayed a decision on development consent for Net Zero Teesside (NZT).
A decision on NZT was due to be taken by the Secretary of State on 10 May but it has been delayed to 14 September, because some offshore parts of the NZT project are in an area earmarked for the proposed Hornsea 4 offshore wind farm.
NZT Onshore Generation & Capture is led by BP, with ENI, Equinor, and TotalEnergies. From 2026 it aims to capture 2Mt of carbon dioxide annually from a 750MW gas-fired power plant with CCUS.
Meanwhile The Northern Endurance Partnership aims to decarbonise industry in Teesside, through the NZT project, as well as in the Humber ‘cluster’ (through the Zero Carbon Humber project). Carbon dioxide would be stored in the Endurance site 60 miles offshore of Flamborough Head.
The Secretary of State has asked NZT to provide an updated Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Report which include assessment, alone and cumulatively, of the offshore elements of the Wider NZT Project, including the use of the Endurance Store. It must include an assessment of the cumulative effects of both carbon storage projects, including potential development of the Endurance Store, on the Hornsea 4 Project.
Hornsea 4 is currently under examination at National Infrastructure Planning (NIP). It has already been in discussion with oil and gas operator Harbour Energy, because the wind farm array area includes Johnston Field, a natural gas site with two subsea wellheads in operation. Harbour Energy said in representations to NIP last year that the wind farm should not adversely affect routine production operations. However non-routine operations – including decommissioning – would require vessel access as well as daily helicopter flights to and from the wells for up to nine months. Harbour Energy says it is “highly likely that decommissioning would occur after [Hornsea 4] construction has commenced or completed” and the timing of the process is partly outside the company’s control due to the need for synergies with other operations.
It added that government pressure could require more access to the wells for longer than originally expected. It said: “Given current UK government pressure on gas producers to maintain and enhance production to ensure security of gas supply for the UK, it is possible that a rig may be needed prior to decommissioning in order to undertake well interventions to restore or enhance production.” That would require access similar to that for decommissioning for up to three months.