Plans have been revealed for a multimillion-pound net zero electricity plant in Teesside  which would support more than 2,000 jobs in the construction phase alone.

US clean energy innovation firm 8 Rivers Capital and Sembcorp Energy UK are coming together to develop the new plant, known as the Whitetail Clean Energy project at Sembcorp’s Wilton International site in Redcar.

Once up and running the state-of-the-art energy power plant will produce 300 megawatts of clean, efficient, low-cost electricity, with the potential to expand in the future. Using Wilton International’s port and pipeline access, all the carbon dioxide from the plant can be captured and transported under the North Sea, where it will be permanently stored.

During construction, the plant is expected to support more than 2,000 direct and induced jobs, including many opportunities in the region’s supply chain.

It could be commissioned as early as 2025 and, once operational, it is expected to create up to 200 jobs and would support retraining of engineers, giving them the skills they need to operate the project.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, said: “This is yet another huge boost for Teesside and will see more good-quality, well-paid jobs created first in construction and then the innovative clean energy sector. Sembcorp Energy UK with their Wilton International site is an incredible business in our area.

“Whether it’s carbon capture, hydrogen or renewables, Teesside is already leading the way for the rest of the UK to follow and championing these new technologies. This project complements what we’re doing on the Teesworks site to make Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool an energy powerhouse in this field. We’re only going to continue to capitalise on new opportunities as the Teesside Freeport gets up and running, bringing with it more investment and jobs.”

The project, on a site which forms part of the Teesside Freeport, joins a number of clean energy and renewable initiatives currently under way in the region.

Andy Koss, CEO of UK & Middle East, Sembcorp Industries said: “Helping to bring this first-of-a-kind carbon capture technology to Teesside is part of Sembcorp Energy UK’s commitment to reducing the carbon emissions of its power generation assets at Wilton International and to be a leading provider of sustainable solutions.

"We look forward to working closely with 8 Rivers to further boost the region’s support of the energy transition to Net Zero. We are determined to play our part in helping the UK move towards more sustainable solutions for a low-carbon economy, while fulfilling our global strategic ambition to transform our portfolio towards a greener future.”

Mary Lanigan, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This is about bringing the industries of the future to our area which will provide the high-quality jobs the people of Redcar and Cleveland deserve for years to come. It is excellent news which goes to show that first rate companies are prepared to invest in our region and I want to congratulate everyone involved.”

MP from across the area applauded the plans. Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham MP said: “Sembcorp and 8 Rivers’ plan to build a “NET Power” station at Wilton International is great news.

“I’ve long championed both carbon capture and storage and Teesside as the ideal location for a decarbonisation cluster in my time as MP for Stockton North, and I’m delighted to see our area once again leading the way with such an innovative project.

"Not only is it a major step forward for the UK’s Net Zero 2050 ambition, but the construction of the station will create around 2000 good quality jobs for the local area, with more jobs created for the plant’s operation.

"It is critical that local people are able to access these jobs, and that they are well-paid. I will be supporting the trade unions and Sembcorp and 8 Rivers to ensure that local people benefit from this announcement.”

Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: “This is an incredibly important announcement for Teesside, bringing more really good jobs and helping to cement our importance as the home of the clean energy revolution in the UK.  

"Both 8 Rivers Capital and Sembcorp Energy UK deserve the utmost credit for delivering this excellent new asset to our industrial base.

“The Government’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050  is the right thing both for our environment and our economy, and this is another step on the road of showing how we will make this change.”

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said: "Sembcorp's plans to build a 300MW Net Zero emissions NET Power station at Wilton International is brilliant news not only for our region, but demonstrates once again that Teesside is leading the way in a Green Industrial Revolution.

"The fact that this 'first-of-a-kind' sustainable technology is happening in Teesside is a testament to the excitement and potential that industry leaders see being unleashed in our part of the country. 

"It is a great step towards the UK’s Net Zero 2050 goal and a major contribution to the transformation of Teesside - by potentially creating over 2,000 jobs during construction and a significant number during operations.  

"On top of that, this kind of investment in Wilton will be a huge boost for the future of other companies on the site; and is part of our plan towards a cleaner, safer and healthier future for the everyone."