Two new projects are set to the join the Hynet carbon capture cluster, marking a major step forward for industrial decarbonisation in the North West of England and North Wales.
Uniper’s Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power project in North Wales and Evero’s Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS) in Cheshire will support a total of 2,800 direct, skilled jobs, such as engineers and construction workers.
The former project is a new power station with carbon capture and storage (CCS) which, at peak output, is expected to produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 900,000 homes while capturing CO2 emissions.
InBECCS will use waste wood to generate low carbon energy and capture carbon emissions.
These join three existing projects that have been classed as priority for negotiations – they are Protos Energy Recovery Facility (Encyclis), Padeswood Cement Plant (Heidelberg Materials) and Hydrogen Production Plant 1 (EET Hydrogen).
According to the government, the HyNet network can store up to 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually – equivalent to taking two million cars off the road.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “We are securing the jobs of the future, the power for our homes and the protection of our planet by becoming world leaders on carbon capture and storage.
“These new projects will bring industrial renewal, unlock growth and secure an additional 800 good, skilled jobs for local people across North Wales and the North West – taking the total supported by HyNet to 2,800 – all part of our Plan for Change.”
Five additional projects have been placed on a standby list, pending future capacity. While not currently moving forward, these projects are seen as critical to decarbonising the UK’s industrial base and ensuring long-term energy security.
Carbon capture will help to decarbonise heavy industry as the country accelerates to net zero, whilst protecting skilled, manufacturing jobs and creating new export opportunities for British business in new technologies.
Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), added: “Today’s news is another clear signal that the UK is serious about delivering carbon capture and storage. The build-out of HyNet not only strengthens energy security and climate action but it also brings real, skilled jobs and vital long term investment to communities in the North West and North Wales.
“We need a long term plan for bringing the projects on standby to market… We must fully utilise our world-class storage resources to reach net zero and grow our economy.”
HyNet expansion: Two new projects join carbon capture cluster appeared first on Energy Live News.