Region hosts largest green technology pilot project

The Hatfield plant near Doncaster will be at the centre of the green revolution when next year it is used for carbon capture and storage (CCS) trials.

It is hoped that the tests will enhance the region's chances of securing two of the Government's planned large-scale CCS schemes, which would see hundreds of millions of pounds invested and around 55,000 jobs created.

CO2Sense Yorkshire, the green business development programme, said the Hatfield pilot was the first stage of a "hugely ambitious, world-leading project".

Chief executive Joanne Pollard said: "The key thing is that this is a demonstration plant that will be up and running by next year.

"It will mean a few new jobs in the short term, but importantly the opportunities for expansion are dramatic, and that's the real opportunity for jobs in Yorkshire."

CCS is an emerging technology through which harmful carbon emissions are captured from power stations and large factories before they are released into the atmosphere and stored safely underground.

Industry experts have said there is huge potential for growth in Yorkshire, due to the region's large number of heavy polluters and close proximity to depleted oil and gas fields in the North Sea, where carbon dioxide (CO2) could be stored.

The Hatfield pilot is a joint venture between energy companies Powerfuel and Calix – Powerfuel are among the bidders competing for the Government's larger schemes.

Announcing the project yesterday, Powerfuel said the CCS technology that will be tested is unique because it can be used for either natural gas or coal plants, offering opportunities for development throughout Europe.

Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney said: "The future employment prospects are almost unlimited in research, development, supply chain - there will be so many opportunities.

"Crucially this is private investment, private money developing world leading technology.

"The world is looking to Yorkshire to see how we do things."

Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed he will provide 1bn in funding for the first CCS scheme, likely to be Scottish Power's Longannet plant, near Alloa.

Bids for the other schemes are expected in coming months.