The UK aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology offers a potential solution for polluting industries. These industries struggle to reduce emissions and meet climate goals. However, CCS is largely untested at scale. This raises questions about its commercial and technical feasibility. This article explores the current state of CCS in the UK. It examines the challenges CCS faces and its potential to help the nation meet decarbonization targets.
The Current State of Carbon Capture and Storage in the UK
Several polluting factories and power plants in Britain are linking up to new CCS facilities. They aim to protect their future. The UK government has pledged “up to £20bn” in support. This is to attract private investments. The goal is to reach a storage target of 20-30 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030.
Key CCS projects currently under development include:
- Padeswood cement plant in Wales, aiming to be the first UK cement plant with CCS
- Essar Oil’s planned hydrogen production with CCS at its Stanlow oil refinery
- BP and Equinor’s new gas-fired power station with CCS
- Phillips 66 and Vitol’s plan to capture emissions from the Humber oil refinery and nearby power station
Challenges Facing CCS Deployment in the UK
Despite government support and industry interest, several challenges remain for widespread CCS adoption:
- Limited evidence on the performance of power plants with CCS, with concerns about lower capture rates
- Technical challenges associated with piping CO2 from multiple industrial sources, such as variable flow rates and contaminants
- Potential delays in government negotiations and support, which could increase project costs and deter investment
- Uncertainty around the long-term commercial viability of CCS, with current carbon prices providing little incentive for high capture costs
The Potential of CCS to Help Meet Climate Goals
Experts agree that some level of CCS will be necessary for the UK to reach net zero by 2050. Successful deployment of CCS could:
- Enable polluting industries like cement, oil refining, and chemicals to decarbonize while remaining operational
- Provide a backup for intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar
- Create a competitive market for CCS, with the government aiming for 50 million tonnes storage per year in the 2030s
Conclusion: Need for Action and Continued Support
The UK races to meet its climate commitments. CCS offers a potential pathway for hard-to-abate industries to reduce emissions. However, the technology’s success depends on prompt government action and continued financial support. It also depends on addressing technical and commercial challenges. By investing in CCS projects now, the UK can develop knowledge and infrastructure. This is necessary to scale up this critical technology in the coming decades.
Read more: Direct Air Capture: A Potential Climate Change Solution
