The UK has a firm commitment to decarbonise the power system by 2035, which is essential to achieving net zero by 2050. Renewables and nuclear will be the focus of decarbonisation as we move towards net zero, but there is one technology that will remain on the sidelines, which is an essential enabler is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
What is Carbon Capture and Storage?
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a process that contributes to fulfilling this promise by stopping carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere. The CCS process involves capturing carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases of power stations or industrial processes, transporting the carbon dioxide in pipelines, and storing it deep in underground geological formations.
In industries such as steel, cement and chemicals, CO2 is not easily abated. CCS represents a practical approach to decarbonising production without having to stop production. It is also equally important in the power sector. The renewable energy capacity in the United Kingdom will expand, but there will remain times when the grid is reliant on gas-fired power plants to provide turning and balancing energy. By adding CCS to existing gas-fired (and other) power facilities, gas power plants are able to provide electricity while being compliant with UK climate objectives.
Building the UK’s CCS Clusters
The government has marked this technology as a priority and has also begun developing large-scale CCS clusters. There are currently two major CCS projects being developed, HyNet in the North West, and East Coast Cluster across Teesside and Humber. These hub projects will link many industrial sites to shared transport and storage infrastructure, so that industry can work together to share costs and take advantage of the potential for storage of CO₂ below the North Sea.
The goal for CCS is to capture and store 30 million tonnes of CO₂ a year by 2030 and further expand by 2035. The government is assisting these sectors with dedicated business models and funding streams (like the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund) so that they can grow in parallel, contributing to the UK transition to a clean energy system.
The North Sea Advantage
There probably is no better place for CCS than the United Kingdom’s North Sea. The basin has decades of oil and gas experience, with proven geology and existing infrastructure to leverage in support of carbon storage. This North Sea Advantage not only reduces costs but also accelerates deployment.
It also provides jobs and supports communities that have been reliant on the offshore energy sector for generations. As production declines in the oil and gas sector, CCS represents a means by which skilled workers can use the expertise they have developed and gain new employment in the expanding clean energy market. CCS should be seen not only as for decarbonisation but also as a driver of economic regeneration.
Opportunities and Challenges
CCS deployment at scale would not be without its hurdles. Infrastructure development requires considerable capital investment upfront, while building public confidence in a long-term carbon storage solution is equally essential. The sector will also need dependable supply chains and a general availability of capable people in order to deliver projects in a timely manner. The advantages are more than the challenges.CCS could establish the UK as a global leader in the field of clean technologies; bring in international partners; and develop an export of engineering capability. Connected to the other energy vectors of renewables, nuclear and energy storage, the UK has the opportunity to deliver a decarbonised system that is affordable and reliable.
Heading Toward the Milestone
A clean power system by 2035 is feasible with balance. Solar and offshore wind will provide the core of renewable energy. Demand-side flexibility and battery storage systems will provide more stability on the grid. Finally, hydrogen and CCS will tackle the hardest-to-abate emissions.
Together, they provide a route to a low-carbon, resilient, and economic power system.
Final Thoughts
Carbon Capture and Storage has an important role in the UK’s energy transition is important. With minimal emissions, it allows gas power and heavy industry to commence operations. Additionally, it provides the flexibility to support a renewables-led system.
If investment, support, and unprecedented public support can take place together, CCS could be one of the legacy technologies that support the UK in delivering on the 2035 clean power milestone.