HyNet, the project set to transform North West England and North Wales into a leading low-carbon industrial cluster, has taken a major leap forward with the go-ahead from the UK Government to start construction.
The announcement of financial close for Eni’s Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project was made today by UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at the Summit on the Future of Energy Security. Construction of HyNet will now begin, putting spades in the ground and putting the region on track for operations to begin in 2028.
The Liverpool Bay CCS project consists of a network of new and repurposed pipelines which will safely transport carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industry to a permanent, secure store under the seabed.
As the backbone of HyNet, the infrastructure paves the way for a sustainable, self-sufficient future in the region. The CCS infrastructure will support key industries, including cement manufacturing, energy-from-waste, and low-carbon hydrogen production, to thrive in a low-carbon future.
The Liverpool Bay CCS project will generate over 2,000 jobs during its initial construction phase, while also safeguarding and creating thousands more through investment across the region. Crucially, the majority of the £2billion supply chain contracts are being awarded locally, ensuring the benefits are felt close to home.
HyNet will enable industry to manufacture sought-after low-carbon versions of the everyday products and services we rely on — from energy produced from our waste which cannot be recycled to sustainable manufacturing helping to achieve decarbonisation without deindustrialisation. It will also help cut emissions from backup power stations—those that fill the gap when there is no wind or sunshine—and support the Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan.
With this major milestone, HyNet is set to play a defining role in securing the future of British industry, and in reaching the UK’s low carbon growth plan on our journey to net zero.
The UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, said, “This investment from our partnership with Eni is government working together with industry to kickstart growth and back engineers, welders and electricians through our mission to become a clean energy superpower. We are making the UK energy secure so we can protect families and businesses and drive jobs through our Plan for Change.”
David Parkin, Chair of the HyNet Alliance said, “HyNet positions North West England and North Wales as global leaders in low-carbon growth, attracting investment, boosting skills, creating and protecting jobs.
“We are delighted that Eni has reached financial close for HyNet’s carbon capture and storage network—an important milestone in turning the wider HyNet vision into reality. This progress strengthens the region’s industrial future whilst building a cleaner, stronger future for our communities.”
