RWE, Wales’ largest power generator, unveiled its plans today to advance three groundbreaking carbon capture projects, positioning itself as a trailblazer in the mission to decarbonise the UK’s power sector.

The blueprint entails RWE’s development proposals for deploying cutting-edge capture technology at its Pembroke Power Station. Once realized, the project will facilitate the long-term generation of up to 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of secure, flexible, and decarbonised power, capable of capturing approximately 5 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

This staggering achievement is tantamount to removing one million petrol-driven cars from the roads.

RWE, operating the UK’s largest fleet of gas-fired power stations and a prominent renewables generator, believes that carbon capture and storage (CCS) represent a viable solution for delivering reliable, dispatchable, and decarbonised power generation. By embracing CCS technology, RWE aims to support the UK’s ambition to decarbonise its power system by 2035 while simultaneously ensuring long-term energy security.

Furthermore, the three proposed CCS projects not only contribute to the UK’s energy stability but also form an integral part of RWE’s global aspiration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, an objective aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Tom Glover, the UK Country Chair for RWE, expressed his optimism, stating, “In order to decarbonise the power sector, support security of supply and enable large-scale industrial decarbonisation, it is important that clean gas generation projects are developed.

Carbon capture can support the expansion of the other renewable and low carbon technologies that RWE is a leader in deploying, by providing energy security through firm and flexible provision of electricity that is not reliant on weather. I am pleased to announce our plans for three UK carbon capture projects, representing an important step in our progression towards decarbonising our existing gas fleet.”

The Pembroke project serves as a cornerstone of RWE’s Pembroke Net Zero Centre (PNZC), a significant multi-technology decarbonisation initiative in South Wales. This initiative, in conjunction with the South Wales Industrial Cluster, supports the broader decarbonisation of the region’s industry.

Leveraging RWE’s decades of experience and expertise in power production, the PNZC brings together three crucial energy infrastructure components: the decarbonisation of the gas-fired Pembroke Power Station, the on-site production of green hydrogen, and the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

Richard Little, Director of PNZC, acknowledged the project’s significance, affirming, “We are pleased to announce our plans for a Pembroke Power Station carbon capture project. This project is a key element of our Pembroke Net Zero Centre and important to support the Welsh government’s ambitions for carbon neutrality. The project will support decarbonisation of the power sector, support security of supply, and large-scale industrial decarbonisation.”

RWE is currently making progress with initial environmental studies and surveys while preparing the necessary information to apply for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Track 2 Phase 2 cluster sequencing funding application process.

This funding process is specifically dedicated to carbon capture projects located in proximity to carbon capture storage or transport facilities.

The Pembroke carbon capture initiative is one of three novel projects spearheaded by RWE across the UK, all striving to provide a practical solution to delivering reliable and dispatchable power stations while supporting the UK’s target of achieving a net zero energy industry by 2035.

Apart from the Pembroke venture, the other projects are planned for RWE’s existing station at Staythorpe and a newly built gas-fired power station with carbon capture at Stallingborough.

These projects are strategically located near proposed CO2 networks or possess access to shipping facilities, facilitating the safe transportation and storage of CO2. Together, these initiatives will form a vital component of a robust and comprehensive energy network, ensuring stable and secure generation whenever the need arises.

RWE said further information regarding the project will be made available in the coming months, including community information events.