The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has today (8 May) opened a call for evidence on how to best transport captured carbon that is not connected to a pipeline network. It is also seeking more information about best practice around storage networks, associated costs, and potential barrier to deployment.
For captured carbon that is not located near planned carbon capture pipelines, the government says that carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) will be ‘essential’ to keep the UK in line with its 2050 net zero target. This call for evidence aims to further develop CCUS growth across the UK, with DESNZ stating that ‘pipelines will not be enough,’ pointing to other key areas of development such as road, rail, barge, and shipping.
CCUS aims to reduce emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from sources like power stations or industrial facilities, then transports and stores them, typically in underground locations beneath the earth’s crust.
“The UK has the right geology, talent and expertise to build a world-leading carbon capture industry, driving investment and economic growth to our industrial heartlands,” said Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Minister Lord Callanan.
“Businesses right across the country want to do their bit to reduce carbon emissions and I want to hear from them how we can deliver greener solutions for industry by giving them ever-greater access to this game-changing technology.”
CCUS has been on the government agenda for some time, with a major steppingstone coming into play during the 2023 Spring Budget. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt then announced an investment of £20bn for the early development of CCUS. There was a further announcement that allowed for tax savings on certain oil and gas assets to be repurposed for CCUS projects, with the hopes of pushing the UK to reach its goal of creating a competitive market in CCUS by 2035.
To achieve the goal of creating a self-sustaining CCUS market, the government describes a 3-phase approach:
- Market creation phase until 2030
- Marketing transition phase from 2030-2035
- Self-sustaining market phase from 2035 onwards
How to respond
Both individuals and organisations are able to submit their responses via this government webpage. The government welcomes responses from anyone with an interest in the CCUS policy area. The call for evidence is now open until 16 July.
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