Government has announced the projects progressing through HyNet’s Track 1 Expansion assessment process. The selected projects are in negotiations to use the Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage system to safely store the carbon dioxide they produce—up to the initial storage capacity of 4.5 million tonnes each year.
The HyNet Alliance is pleased to see this strong commitment from Government to grow the Carbon Capture and Storage sector within the region. HyNet is attracting major new investments, building future-focused careers, opening up opportunities for local enterprises, and helping to ensure a positive legacy across the North West and North Wales.
Ten carbon capture projects have been selected in total, covering a wide range of industries including cement, bioenergy, power generation and new clean technologies like direct air capture. The decision highlights the North West’s and North Wales’ leadership in cutting industrial carbon emissions and attracting international investment in low carbon energy.
Five of the ten projects have been placed on a ‘priority list’, including two new projects – Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power in North Wales and Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS), in Cheshire.
Five projects are on ’standby’, meaning they could be developed in future as more pipeline capacity becomes available. Additional storage capacity for regional industry will be provided through future expansion of Liverpool Bay CCS and the newly announced Morecambe Net Zero | Peak Cluster projects.
HyNet’s hydrogen network, considered to be the most advanced of its kind in the UK, will be assessed in a separate, upcoming Government process, supported by £500m of funding. HyNet Alliance partners believe this system, which includes hydrogen production, pipelines, storage, and a swath of regional industry demanding a low carbon fuel, is well-positioned to succeed in this next allocation round.
The HyNet partners look forward to working collaboratively with Government to ensure that decisions regarding hydrogen production will align seamlessly with the process for selecting hydrogen transport and storage projects – supporting a fully integrated regional hydrogen network.
David Parkin, Director of the HyNet Alliance, said, “Today’s announcement is another great step forward for the North West and North Wales, supporting regional clean energy production and securing further private sector investment.
“Our region has a proud legacy of industrial breakthroughs, and we’re excited to build on that with technology that will provide industry with a route to grow and thrive into the future.
“Alongside the continuing expansion of the region’s Carbon Capture and Storage infrastructure, we look forward to working with Government to deliver HyNet’s hydrogen network, the most advanced in the UK, delivering homegrown, low carbon energy to industry across the region. These initiatives will cut carbon dioxide emissions, spark investment, create meaningful careers and boost local businesses.”
Jane Gaston, CEO of Net Zero North West, said, “Government’s announcement that ten projects are moving to the next stage of negotiations is a major boost for industry across the North West. It reflects a strong commitment from government and shows that industry is ready and eager to decarbonise as quickly as possible.
“This progress will help secure existing jobs, attract new investment, and strengthen the region’s position at the forefront of the UK’s net zero transition.”
