Industry commentary on UK CCUS cluster projects

Comments from Heidelberg Materials UK CEO, Simon Willis:

“Today’s announcement from the Government to drive ahead with investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) clusters is a major milestone in the decarbonisation of UK industry and sets the construction sector on the path to net zero.

“As part of the HyNet North West decarbonisation cluster* we are bringing forward our plans for the first carbon capture and storage plant at a UK cement works at Padeswood in north Wales. The Government’s backing of this critical technology means that the production of zero carbon cement before the end of this decade has taken a big step forward.

“The Government’s commitment also provides assurance that it is supportive of UK industry’s transition to a low carbon future – where the building materials we rely on to construct and maintain our homes, schools and hospitals and major infrastructure continue to be produced here. It will also secure and create highly skilled jobs for the future.”

Comments from the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA):

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) welcomes the progress on the carbon capture and hydrogen cluster programmes. The two carbon capture clusters in the North West and North East of England will create thousands of new highly skilled jobs, while ensuring that others can transition into clean energy roles, boosting the economy and delivering critical carbon removals.

The UK has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way in establishing a viable carbon removals market, and this starts with ensuring a wide range of CCUS technologies are supported in the carbon clusters. This needs to include the use of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which allows for the actual removal of carbon from the atmosphere, not just the capture of carbon from the combustion of fossil fuels. This shortlisting announcement is the next step in that process and sends a strong signal to developers.

Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive at the REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), said:

“Today’s announcement will drive investment, deliver growth and create thousands of jobs, and is a bold and welcome step by the government. CCUS and hydrogen are important technologies in our fight against climate change and must sit alongside a range of innovations that will remove carbon from the atmosphere so that we can achieve net zero.

One such innovation is the specific application of CCUS technologies to bioenergy, known as Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), which is expected to play a critical role in delivering around 53 Mt of carbon removals per year.

Given its potential, it is critical that BECCS projects also attract investment as Government continues the positive work in advancing the decarbonisation of industrial clusters.”

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