MPs see Teesside energy vision take shape

Teesside’s plans to become a national centre for low-carbon industry moved forward as MPs toured two pioneering energy infrastructure projects under construction at Teesworks.

Representatives from the East Coast Cluster welcomed local MPs to the Teesworks site to showcase progress on NZT Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP), two flagship carbon capture and storage developments.

Andy McDonald MP, Luke Myer MP and representatives from the offices of Anna Turley MP and Chris McDonald MP toured the site alongside project partners including bp, Technip Energies and Balfour Beatty.

The visit came as construction activity accelerates following the arrival of major equipment deliveries to Redcar Bulk Terminal earlier this year.

Mr McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said: “What stood out during today’s visit was the real impact these projects are already having on local people. 

“From apprentices taking their first steps into industry to experienced workers building long-term careers back here in Teesside, NZT Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership are creating lasting opportunities and strengthening the region’s supply chain.”

Mr Myer, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, added: “Teesside is on the rise. 

“Seeing the progress at this landmark CCS site today underlined the scale of opportunity and investment these projects are bringing to our region. 

“Thanks to Government backing, private sector innovation, and the skills of Teessiders, these projects are creating thousands of local jobs. 

“NZT Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership are creating opportunities for young people and giving businesses across the region the confidence to grow.”

NZT Power is expected to become the world’s first large-scale gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage, while NEP is developing the infrastructure needed to transport and store captured carbon across the wider East Coast Cluster.

Together, the projects have awarded more than 230 subcontracts to UK businesses worth more than £1.5 billion and are expected to support more than 3000 jobs during construction.

MPs also met apprentices and local workers involved in the projects, with employers highlighting ongoing investment in skills, graduate opportunities and recruitment across Teesside.

Rich Denny, managing director at NEP, added: “Today was a great opportunity to show MPs the scale and significance of what is being constructed here. 

“NEP will underpin not just NZT Power, but a whole network of future carbon capture projects across Teesside and the Humber, with benefits for those regions and throughout our UK-wide supply chain. 

“The investment already flowing into Teesside – into jobs, skills and the supply chain – is real and it is growing. 

“We were proud to share that progress with our local representatives today and demonstrate the momentum being built here as we look towards our next stage of delivery on the Humber.”

Balfour Beatty has also launched a new recruitment campaign targeting engineering and construction roles linked to the developments.

Tony Belcher, director of energy transition – major projects, at Balfour Beatty, added: “We’re incredibly proud that Balfour Beatty is playing a role in delivering a legacy project here in Teesside. 

“For us, this isn’t just about building a power station – it’s about creating long-term value for the local community. 

“From the start, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on working with local suppliers and contractors, ensuring the benefits of this investment are felt across the region. 

“By doing so, we’re not only supporting the local economy but also helping to build skills, create opportunities and leave a lasting positive impact for generations to come.”

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