Wilton Centre, near Redcar, has welcomed Technip Energies and Balfour Beatty as part of the NZT Power and Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) project, set to be the world’s first commercial scale, gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage and the UK’s first CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure project.
The flagship project will play a pivotal role in the UK’s energy transition, creating and supporting thousands of jobs in the North East of England.
From its base at Wilton Centre, operated by Pioneer Group, Technip Energies leads a consortium with GE Vernova, alongside construction partner Balfour Beatty, to deliver the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for NZT Power and the NEP onshore Power, Capture and Compression project, a multi-year construction project that will accelerate the UK’s journey toward net zero.
NZT Power will generate up to 742 megawatts of flexible, dispatchable low-carbon power equivalent to the average annual electricity requirements of more than one million UK homes. The plant will capture up to two million tonnes of CO₂ annually, which will be transported and stored by NEP infrastructure. Beyond its environmental impact, NZT Power is expected to create and support over 3,000 jobs during the construction phase, delivering long-term economic benefits to Teesside.
To support delivery, project partners have taken 12,000 sq ft of office space at Wilton Centre.
Steve Duffield, Wilton Centre’s Site Director, said: “Wilton Centre has long been a magnet for companies looking to get involved in the green tech industrial revolution here on Teesside, so we’re delighted that Technip Energies and Balfour Beatty have chosen to lay down roots at the Centre and join our thriving ecosystem of businesses tackling human and planetary health challenges.
“As well as driving the UK towards achieving net zero, this exciting project will play a key role in boosting regional economic growth in the North East, creating thousands of employment opportunities. The site is buzzing with innovation and new opportunities for collaboration, and we’re very much looking forward to supporting the continued success of our occupiers.”
Matthew Allan, Senior Project Manager, Technip Energies, said: “Technip Energies is truly pleased to have our project offices at the Wilton Centre. Its central location in an area with such a rich industrial heritage reinforces our commitment to the region’s ongoing industrial legacy and future growth. Having our base being right in the heart of Teesside also provides not only a perfect location close to site, but an ideal proximity for our social value initiatives where our project teammates are out in the community delivering a range of activities – such as recruitment events and STEM events – engaging with over 2,000 people since the project began.”
Hugh Ferguson, Balfour Beatty Delivery Director, said: “We are delighted to establish our project offices at the Wilton Centre as part of the NZT Power-NEP project together with our partners. This landmark initiative represents a defining moment in the UK’s energy transition, and we are proud to bring our construction expertise to help deliver what’s set to become the country’s first commercial‑scale, gas‑fired power station with carbon capture. Being based here before moving over to our site, and being able to keep space here, keeps us close to site and to the community, ensuring we can maximise local opportunities, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy of skills and innovation in Teesside. Together, we are committed to building infrastructure that will power a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Wilton Centre is one of Europe’s largest R&D sites with a 50-year legacy of supporting biomanufacturing, technology, life sciences and the circular economy. Following recent planning approval, Pioneer Group is set to develop almost 150,000 sq ft of new laboratory, technical, manufacturing and office space within the Teesside Freeport boundary.
Occupants of the new Wilton Freeport development will benefit from a suite of government incentives, including reduced Stamp Duty, Business Rates and National Insurance contributions, offering an attractive proposition for growing science and technology businesses.
