Plans to base a pioneering green energy scheme in the north-east and create scores of jobs have been revived.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) revealed yesterday that it had resurrected proposals for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at Peterhead’s gas-fired power station.
A similar development was proposed in 2007, but was dropped after the UK Government delayed the launch of a competition to find a scheme it could give financial backing to.
Now SSE bosses have agreed to investigate creating a different CCS project.
They launched a feasibility study yesterday to examine the possibility of using Peterhead as a testing ground for new technology, which would involve capturing carbon dioxide emissions and storing them safely in depleted North Sea oil and gas fields.
The project would involve using an existing gas turbine, steam turbine and electricity network connection. Land next to the station, owned by SSE, could also be used.
A spokesman for the company said it was too early to say how much the scheme could cost but said that, if it was successful, jobs would be created.
The UK Government is keen to establish four CCS schemes across the country and is considering projects involving coal-fired power stations.
But SSE is hoping the government will agree with a recent report by the UK Committee on Climate Change, which said that gas-fired plants could also be fitted with CCS equipment.
SSE chief executive Ian Marchant said last night: “If long-term targets for reducing emissions are to be met, CCS technology is going to have to apply as widely as possible.
“I believe Peterhead represents the best site in the UK for a gas CCS project and I hope that our submission to the government will be successful.”
Yesterday’s announcement was welcomed by Banff and Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford.
“This is great news for Peterhead and excellent news for Scotland’s renewables sector,” she said.
“SSE are to be commended for their continuing commitment to carbon capture and this project has huge environmental potential and must be embraced by the government.”
She added: “This project could put Peterhead at the cutting edge of carbon capture technology.”
The development was also welcomed by environmentalists.
Aedan Smith, head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, said: “At a time when urgent action is needed to tackle climate change, the proposal at Peterhead would give Scotland the opportunity to demonstrate this new technology.”
