North East firms win contracts for world-first carbon capture power station

Barrier Group and Cullum Detuners have sealed contracts for the NZT Power project

Two North East companies are set to play key roles in one of the UK’s most significant low-carbon infrastructure projects. Wallsend, North Tyneside-based Barrier Group and Stockton’s Cullum Detuners have secured contracts for the NZT Power project, which is on course to become the world’s first commercial-scale gas-fired power station equipped with carbon capture technology.

The NZT Power project is anticipated to generate and sustain more than 3,000 jobs throughout the construction phase, delivering long-term economic advantages for Teesside while bolstering the UK’s low-carbon energy infrastructure. Once operational, NZT Power will have the capacity to produce up to 742 megawatts of low-carbon power, equivalent to the annual electricity needs of more than one million UK homes.

Up to two million tonnes of CO2 annually will be captured from NZT Power before being transported and stored via the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) infrastructure – the UK’s first CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure project. The project is being delivered by a consortium led by Technip Energies with GE Vernova, alongside construction partner Balfour Beatty. Under the terms of the contract, Barrier will oversee the design, engineering and supply of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for the new power station turbine hall. Barrier Group secured the deal from energy giant Technip Energies in a transaction that highlights the strength of the region’s industrial supply chain, as well as its expanding contribution to the nation’s net zero goals.

Barrier’s work is being carried out from its North East operations, with its HVAC engineering team, based at the Haverton Hill facility in Teesside, spearheading the engineering phase of the project. The contract encompasses the design and engineering of the hall’s HVAC systems, procurement of specialist equipment and materials, and project management of the package throughout the engineering phase.

The turbine hall serves as the centrepiece of the combined cycle gas turbine power station, where electricity will be produced from natural gas. Barrier’s HVAC systems will ensure the correct environmental conditions are maintained within the building, supporting both the safe operation of critical equipment and a safe working environment for personnel.

Barrier is currently undertaking the engineering phase of the project, with roughly 10 personnel working directly on the contract, rising to nearly 20 in the latter stages. The award has already bolstered the firm’s headcount with five new engineering roles, strengthening its presence in the Tees Valley, reports Teesside Live.

Kevin Judson, operations director at Barrier Group, said the project marks a significant milestone in broadening its engineering services into major energy infrastructure and decarbonisation projects.

He said: “Being involved in NZT Power is a significant contract award for Barrier and aligns directly with our strategic growth plans. It reflects the strength of our engineering capability and the contribution businesses in the Tees Valley make to nationally important infrastructure projects.

“This contract enables continued investment in our people and yard facilities, while supporting carbon capture infrastructure that is critical to the UK’s net zero ambitions and the long-term future of heavy industry.”

Barrier’s participation in the project also underpins its longer-term aspirations to grow operations from its River Tees yard, while continuing to develop its engineering and modular construction expertise in support of large-scale industrial projects throughout the region. Meanwhile, Derbyshire-based firm Cullum Detuners Limited has been appointed by Technip Energies to procure, manufacture and install the High Specification Flue Gas Ducting for the project. The project will be overseen from Cullum’s Stockton offices, with fabrication carried out by In-Spec in Middlesbrough.

The contract will see 40 employees engaged on the project for 15 months, with the firm having created 15 new positions off the back of the deal.

Kevin McEneny, sales director at Cullum, said: “This is a landmark project for decarbonised power generation within the UK. We are proud to have been selected to deliver the project which is a testament to our truly local manufacture and delivery strategy. Final module assembly will be performed in the former British Steel Plate Mill. Our project execution strategy secures local jobs and incorporates locally sourced materials and services.”