Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power (CQLCP)

Project Description
The Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power (CQLCP) project is a proposed new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to be developed by Uniper at its existing Connah’s Quay site in Flintshire, North Wales. If consented and developed, the project could be developed in two phases with roughly half its potential full capacity of low carbon power delivered in phase one, and later expansion up to a maximum of 1.38GW.  The plant is designed to capture at least 95% of its CO₂ emissions and connect to the HyNet CO₂ transport and storage network, enabling captured carbon to be transported for permanent offshore storage in depleted gas fields in Liverpool Bay. By combining dispatchable generation with CCS, the project would contribute to a secure and reliable power system, supporting the transition to a decarbonised economy and helping achieve the UK’s net zero targets.

Project benefits*
The project has the potential to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits across North Wales and the North-West of England. During construction and operations it is expected to support 1600 full-time equivalent construction roles at its peak, 66 long-term skilled operational jobs and substantial apprenticeship, training and supply chain opportunities. The project is expected to contribute approximately £1.5 bn of economic value while helping to retain and develop critical engineering, construction, operations and carbon management skills required for the UK’s energy transition. Once operational, the facility would provide up to 1.38GW of flexible low carbon power to support a decarbonised electricity system and could capture up to 4.7 million tonnes of CO₂ per year at full load. Roughly half of this capacity would be delivered by the first train, which has been selected by Government for the Project Negotiation List as part of the CCUS Cluster Sequencing programme. Without projects such as CQLCP, the UK would face greater challenges in maintaining security of electricity supply while achieving net zero targets and developing a domestic CCUS industry.

 

Proposed activity

Uniper is progressing the development, consenting and commercialisation of CQLCP as one of the UK’s next generation Power CCUS projects. The project has completed FEED studies and has recently named Worley as the preferred EPC contractor, whilst progressing through the Development Consent Order process. As part of the CCUS Cluster Sequencing programme, priority and standby development projects are awaiting the outcome of the Cluster Review Point, whereby a positive outcome will allow priority projects to progress their negotiations for a subsidy contract. The next phase of CQLCP is to secure the necessary planning, environmental permitting and commercial agreements before taking a Final Investment Decision. This will enable construction of phase one and delivery of low carbon power and carbon capture capability from 2030. The project will also help maximise the use of existing energy infrastructure at Connah’s Quay, including grid, gas, cooling water and repurposed pipeline assets connected to the HyNet cluster.

*Additional explanations

Long-term FTE: 683 net FTE jobs per year, of which around 308 FTEs per year would be filled by people living within the Study Area.

Peak FTE  (construction): 1,600 gross FTEs

GVA figure: The planned development has the potential to contribute up to £1,500m to the UK economy, of which up to £811m could benefit the local area, and £1181m could benefit the wider North East Wales region and North West England.