RWE, the esteemed electricity generator in the UK, has unveiled its strategic plans for three groundbreaking carbon capture projects that will contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the country's power sector. These initiatives reflect RWE's unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality and its vital role in helping the UK achieve its ambitious decarbonization targets.
The first aspect of RWE's plan involves exploring the feasibility of retrofitting carbon capture technology at its existing combined cycle gas power stations located in Pembroke and Staythorpe. These retrofitting efforts aim to enhance the stations' efficiency in reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, RWE is in the process of developing proposals for a new carbon capture, gas-fired power station near the Humber Estuary in Stallingborough. This proposed facility, with a capacity of up to 800 megawatts, has the potential to power approximately one million homes.
As the operator of the largest fleet of gas-fired power stations in the UK and a leading generator of renewable energy, RWE recognizes carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a viable solution for delivering decarbonized, reliable, and dispatchable power generation. This approach aligns with the UK's target of decarbonizing its power system by 2035. The three proposed CCS projects not only support the UK's long-term energy security but also play a crucial role in RWE's global ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Tom Glover, the UK Country Chair for RWE, emphasizes the importance of developing clean gas generation projects to decarbonize the power sector while ensuring security of supply. Carbon capture technology complements RWE's expertise in deploying renewable and low-carbon technologies, providing energy security through reliable and flexible electricity generation independent of weather conditions. Glover expresses his delight in announcing the plans for these three carbon capture projects, which signify a significant step towards decarbonizing RWE's existing gas fleet.
The successful development of these projects would establish a robust and comprehensive energy network, ensuring stable and secure generation whenever required. If all three projects proceed, they would collectively contribute up to 4.7 gigawatts (GW) of flexible, decarbonized generation capacity. This capacity is equivalent to powering approximately 8.1 million typical UK homes while capturing 11 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Such a reduction in CO2 emissions is comparable to removing 2.2 million petrol cars from the road. Furthermore, the projects would attract substantial investments in the UK's energy infrastructure and play a pivotal role in decarbonizing neighboring industrial clusters.
To facilitate the safe transportation and storage of captured CO2, all three projects are strategically located near proposed CO2 networks or shipping facilities. RWE has also established partnerships with industrial clusters such as the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) and Viking CCS to develop transportation and storage options. Whenever possible, RWE intends to explore utilization options for the captured CO2.
Currently, the projects are preparing to apply for funding through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's Track 2 Phase 2 cluster sequencing process. This funding is specifically designated for carbon capture projects situated in close proximity to carbon capture storage or transport facilities. Through this application, RWE aims to demonstrate the viability of carbon capture as an essential tool in the pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions.
With these ambitious carbon capture projects, RWE continues to lead the way in advancing decarbonization efforts in the UK's power sector. By embracing innovative solutions and collaborating with key stakeholders, RWE reaffirms its commitment to sustainable energy and the transition towards a greener future.