SSE energy deal 'will power Teesside growth'

A regeneration body has agreed an energy deal it says will “maintain Teesside’s lead at the forefront of new clean technologies”.

Tees Valley Combined Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with SSE.

It says the “landmark” move will “bolster efforts to secure funding… and bring forward and deliver energy projects”.

The tie-up comes just days after the Government rubberstamped plans for the £4 billion BP and Equinor-led Net Zero Teesside carbon capture, utilisation and storage plant, at Redcar, which bosses say will create 1000 jobs and generate electricity for up to 1.3 million UK homes.

It also builds on a previous announcement between SSE Energy Solutions and Teesside International Airport to fit a solar farm at the latter.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’re home to the beating heart of our country’s shift to green energy – and we can see by the huge projects coming to Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool how the wider industry is sitting up and taking notice. 

“SSE is a firm with good pedigree, and its knowledge, expertise and contacts when it comes to getting through the nitty gritty of legislation will be invaluable to making sure game-changing projects see spades in the ground as soon as possible.”

Nehal Mehta, SSE Energy Solutions’ head of regions and social value, added: “This partnership cements our commitment to the region and its net-zero goals.

“To reach our decarbonisation targets here in the UK, collaboration between public and private sector is key.”

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