Peterhead could become the hub of a new worldwide energy industry if a carbon capture scheme is approved, says the project’s leader.
The Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) scheme, spearhead by offshore giant Shell, involves pumping tens of millions of tonnes of harmful CO2 back into depleted North Sea gas wells, 62 miles offshore.
The scheme is still in its planning phase and a final investment decision will likely be made late next year.
If given the go ahead, CCS would bring hundreds of construction jobs to the north-east, as well as placing Peterhead at the centre of a new green energy industry.
Speaking at a public consultation event in port yesterday, project leader Bill Spence said: “In terms of opportunities for the local community – if we do this it could extend the life of Peterhead power plant by 10 years.
“And the big positive is that if it grows from this project into an industry, this can be a worldwide hub for a new energy sector.”
Mr Spence explained that on peak days during construction there would be 500 jobs on offer at the site, with an average of 350 jobs during the whole building project.
“When we turn the key to start it up, there would be between 20 and 30 permanent posts and that’s a boost to the supply trade in the town.”
Dozens of Peterhead residents visited yesterday’s public consultation at Peterhead’s Palace Hotel and Shell spokeswoman Denise Horan described the feedback as positive.
She said: “We need to reach out to as many people as possible, and it’s always good to see this kind of turnout – even at the planning stage.”
In October Shell announced that the contract to design the CCS pipeline had been awarded to Wood Group Kenny.
A total of 80 engineers from the multinational firm will work on the project, with the plant likely to be operational within six years.
The contract to design the onshore plant had already been awarded to Technip while work on the Goldeneye platform – where the pipeline will connect with the depleted fields – is being done in-house by Shell.
Feedback from the public consultation meetings as well as detailed plans and costings will be given to the government late next year in a bid for a portion of the £100m carbon capture investment pot.