Uniper Explores Carbon Capture Power Plant in UK Humber
Uniper, a leading European energy company, has unveiled plans to explore the development of an innovative carbon capture power station in the United Kingdom’s Humber region, known as the Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project. This ambitious initiative underscores Uniper’s commitment to sustainability and its role in advancing the UK’s clean energy goals.
The proposal centers around the development of a state-of-the-art combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station on newly acquired land adjacent to Uniper’s existing power station at Killingholme. The site was recently purchased from C.GEN Killingholme Ltd and comes with pre-existing planning consent for a modern CCGT power station, previously known as the North Killingholme Power Project.
A Strategic Move for the Humber Region
Uniper’s decision to focus on the Killingholme site is both strategic and timely. The Humber region is a vital industrial hub, and the proposed project aligns with the UK’s broader objectives of decarbonizing its energy sector while ensuring energy security. The Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project aims to deliver a power station capable of quickly responding to fluctuations in electricity demand, providing a reliable energy supply to meet the nation’s needs.
Integrating Carbon Capture Technology
A defining feature of the project is the integration of advanced carbon capture technology, which will enable the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated during electricity production. The captured CO2 will be transported to nearby storage facilities via a dedicated pipeline, ultimately being stored in repurposed offshore depleted gas fields. This approach not only addresses emissions but also contributes to the development of a broader carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure in the region.
The combination of a modern CCGT power station with cutting-edge carbon capture technology underscores the project’s dual focus on sustainability and energy reliability. Uniper’s proposal is a testament to the role that carbon capture can play in reducing emissions from power generation while ensuring that natural gas remains a key component of a balanced energy mix.
Timeline and Development Process
The Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project is still in the early stages of development, with several critical milestones ahead. Following the recent land acquisition, Uniper plans to commence Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) studies in 2025. These studies will refine the technical specifications of the project and determine the most suitable technology to be implemented.
The carbon capture component, which requires additional planning approvals, will be developed alongside the consented CCGT power station. Uniper aims to engage with local communities and stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring transparency and collaboration. A planning application for the carbon capture technology is expected to be submitted later in 2025.
If all approvals and milestones are met, construction of the Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project could begin by 2028, with the facility potentially becoming operational by 2030. Once completed, the power station is expected to deliver a minimum capacity of 470 megawatts (MW), sufficient to power approximately 1.1 million homes annually.
Advancing the UK’s Clean Energy Goals
The Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project is poised to play a significant role in supporting the UK’s ambition to achieve a clean power system by 2035. By combining reliable energy generation with carbon capture, the project addresses two critical challenges: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a steady supply of electricity during periods of high demand.
Moreover, the project aligns with the UK’s efforts to develop a robust carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) network. The Humber region, already home to several industrial clusters, is emerging as a focal point for CCUS initiatives. The Killingholme project complements ongoing efforts to position the Humber as a leader in low-carbon technologies.
Uniper’s Commitment to Sustainability
Uniper’s investment in the Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project reflects its broader commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. The company, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, operates in over 40 countries and has approximately 7,400 employees. Its operations span power generation, global energy trading, and gas portfolio management, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas storage.
Uniper has set ambitious climate goals, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. By the early 2030s, the company intends for more than 80% of its installed power generation capacity to be zero-carbon. To achieve these targets, Uniper is transforming its power plants and investing in flexible, dispatchable power generation technologies.
The Killingholme project is a critical component of this strategy. By integrating carbon capture technology, Uniper is demonstrating how natural gas can be a bridge fuel in the transition to a low-carbon future. The company’s efforts are complemented by investments in renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, and the development of green gases like hydrogen and biomethane.
Hydrogen: The Future of Energy
Uniper is also a pioneer in hydrogen technology, positioning itself as a leader in the transition to a hydrogen-based energy system. The company is active across the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to distribution and utilization. Hydrogen is expected to play a critical role in decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry and transportation.
The Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project could potentially integrate hydrogen as a future energy source. As Uniper continues to expand its hydrogen capabilities, the project may serve as a blueprint for combining traditional power generation with emerging technologies.
Engaging Communities and Stakeholders
Uniper recognizes the importance of community and stakeholder engagement in the success of the Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project. The company plans to host consultations and information sessions to ensure that local residents and businesses are informed and have an opportunity to provide input.
The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Humber region, including job creation during the construction and operational phases. By investing in local infrastructure and technology, Uniper aims to support the region’s economic growth while contributing to national and global climate goals.
A Broader Vision for Energy Transition
The Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project is more than just a power station; it is a symbol of the energy transition. By integrating carbon capture technology and exploring future possibilities with hydrogen, the project exemplifies how traditional energy systems can evolve to meet the demands of a sustainable future.
Uniper’s leadership in this space is indicative of a broader shift within the energy sector. Companies are increasingly recognizing the need to balance reliability, affordability, and sustainability. The Killingholme project is a tangible example of how these objectives can be achieved through innovation and collaboration.
