This Is Tees Valley - Issue 3 | Page 63

" Sembcorp is committed to play its part in helping the UK and the world move towards more sustainable solutions for a cleaner , low-carbon future ." - Andy Koss
forefront of the net zero energy transition . Since April 2022 , Sembcorp has recruited more than 200 new colleagues – with the majority based on Teesside – bringing their current head count to 450 people across the UK . The company offers an award-winning apprenticeship programme , supported by regional partners such as Northern Skills and Middlesbrough College , and was the proud winner of both the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year and Communities and Reputation awards at NEPIC ’ s 2023 ceremony , alongside winning Large Business of the Year at the 2023 Northern Skills Apprenticeship Awards .
FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE NET ZERO GENERATION Outside of Wilton International , Sembcorp operates one of the UK ’ s largest portfolios of decentralised , flexible power stations . These assets convert natural gas into electricity to supply rapid-response power to the national grid during periods of increased demand , helping to balance the UK energy system and ensure reliable power for homes and businesses . Such flexibility makes Sembcorp ideally placed to help power the low-carbon drive .
As the UK works towards its 2050 net zero
On site at Wilton International - Andy Koss , CEO of UK & Middle East , Sembcorp Industries . target – to balance carbon emissions released into and taken out of the atmosphere – these flexible energy sources are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening the energy system to enable the continued growth of renewables .
Sembcorp ’ s decarbonisation strategy will also consider how to lower the emissions of these flexible assets .
BATTERY EXPERTISE As part of this existing portfolio across England and Wales , Sembcorp ’ s current 120MWh operational BESS fleet – one of the largest in the UK – can power over a million homes for one hour . Sembcorp is using this experience and expertise to bring battery power to Teesside and has chosen Wilton International as the location for building one of Europe ’ s largest battery systems .
When the full 720MWh battery comes online at Wilton International , it will be a game-changer .
Andy Koss , CEO of UK & Middle East , Sembcorp Industries , said : “ Now , more than ever , flexible energy sources play an increasingly important role in maintaining secure and reliable energy supplies .
“ With a growing reliance on renewables , the UK energy system needs to be flexible and able to respond quickly to changes .
“ The location of the batteries at Wilton International strengthens Teesside ’ s green regeneration and position as a hub of lowcarbon innovation in the North East .
Battery energy storage system in Leicestershire .
“ There is a huge amount of work taking place across the board on Teesside and throughout the country , and Sembcorp is committed to playing its part in helping the UK and the world move towards more sustainable solutions for a cleaner , low-carbon future .
“ Our position in the UK and global energy markets , combined with the skills of our workforce , gives us a superb opportunity to be one of the key players driving the transition to net zero .
“ It is also vital that we make sure people employed in carbon intensive roles are not left behind by the green industrial revolution , and that their skills can be reused in a low-carbon economy .”
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES Sembcorp contributes to the sustainable development of communities close to its offices and operational sites . Its Community Investment strategy focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 : affordable and clean energy .
To help with skills development for the energy transition , Sembcorp is proud to support the Clean Energy Education Hub at Redcar & Cleveland College . The company has sponsored a dedicated classroom and will be helping to develop new courses and related materials for the college about renewable technologies such as BESS and hydrogen .
If you want to explore the opportunities available to your business at Wilton International , visit sembcorpenergy . co . uk to find out more .
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