North East Companies Land Major Roles in Groundbreaking Carbon Capture Power Project
Two prominent North East companies have secured pivotal contracts for one of the United Kingdom's most ambitious low-carbon infrastructure initiatives. Barrier Group, based in Wallsend, North Tyneside, and Cullum Detuners from Stockton have been awarded significant work packages for the NZT Power project, which is poised to become the world's first commercial-scale gas-fired power station fully equipped with advanced carbon capture technology.
Transformative Economic and Environmental Impact
The NZT Power project is expected to generate and sustain over 3,000 jobs throughout its construction phase, delivering substantial long-term economic benefits for the Teesside region while significantly strengthening the UK's low-carbon energy infrastructure. Once fully operational, NZT Power will have the capacity to produce up to 742 megawatts of clean, low-carbon electricity, which is equivalent to meeting the annual power requirements of more than one million British households.
Remarkably, the facility will capture up to two million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This captured CO2 will then be transported and securely stored using the Northern Endurance Partnership infrastructure, which represents the UK's pioneering carbon dioxide transportation and storage network. The overall project is being delivered by a consortium led by Technip Energies in partnership with GE Vernova, with construction managed by Balfour Beatty.
Barrier Group's HVAC Engineering Excellence
Under the terms of their contract, Barrier Group will oversee the comprehensive design, engineering, and supply of sophisticated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for the power station's turbine hall. This significant contract award from energy giant Technip Energies underscores both the robustness of the North East's industrial supply chain and the region's growing contribution toward achieving national net zero targets.
Barrier's work will be executed entirely from its North East operations, with the HVAC engineering team based at the Haverton Hill facility in Teesside leading the engineering phase. The contract encompasses the complete design and engineering of the hall's HVAC systems, procurement of specialized equipment and materials, and comprehensive project management throughout the engineering process.
The turbine hall serves as the central component of the combined cycle gas turbine power station, where electricity will be generated from natural gas. Barrier's advanced HVAC systems will ensure optimal environmental conditions are maintained within the building, supporting both the safe operation of critical equipment and providing a secure working environment for all personnel.
Barrier is currently engaged in the engineering phase of the project, with approximately 10 personnel working directly on the contract. This number is expected to increase to nearly 20 during later stages. The contract award has already resulted in the creation of five new engineering positions, further strengthening the company's presence in the Tees Valley region.
Strategic Growth and Regional Development
Kevin Judson, Operations Director at Barrier Group, emphasized that this project represents a significant milestone in expanding the company's engineering services into major energy infrastructure and decarbonization initiatives. He stated: "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."
Judson added: "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 this landmark project also supports the company's longer-term aspirations to expand operations from its River Tees yard, while continuing to develop its engineering and modular construction expertise to support large-scale industrial projects throughout the region.
Cullum Detuners' Manufacturing Contribution
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 managed from Cullum's Stockton offices, with fabrication carried out by In-Spec in Middlesbrough.
This contract will engage 40 employees on the project for 15 months, with the company having already created 15 new positions as a direct result of this significant deal.
Kevin McEneny, Sales Director at Cullum, commented: "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."
