'Hundreds' of jobs are set to be created following the signing of a multi-billion pound carbon capture scheme by a power station development. The HyNet carbon capture cluster, which received approval from the Prime Minister in April to commence construction of the Liverpool Bay Transportation and Storage network, announced today that two new projects have joined.
The HyNet initiative will see the construction of new pipelines and manufacturing facilities across Cheshire and Flintshire, with existing power plants being repurposed to capture carbon emissions and store them beneath the seabed. This will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the climate crisis.
Carbon capture and storage is a key component of the government's modern Industrial Strategy, aiming to cleanly power heavy industry in the future.
The two projects prioritised for inclusion in the network are:.
The Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power project in North Wales – a new power station equipped with carbon capture and storage. At peak output, it is anticipated to generate enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 900,000 homes, whilst capturing CO2 emissions, reports .
Low-carbon power provides essential backup for a clean power system when wind and solar generation is low, ensuring energy security for households and businesses.
Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS) in Cheshire – the scheme will utilise waste timber to produce low-carbon electricity whilst capturing CO2 emissions. The initiative will mark the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's inaugural carbon capture-enabled greenhouse gas removal project, establishing a significant new infrastructure sector across the North West alongside high-employment opportunities.
The twin schemes are expected to generate 800 positions during construction and operational phases, with ministers stating that "hundreds" of these roles will be located in North Wales.
Mike Lockett, º£½ÇÊÓƵ country chair for Uniper, who are progressing the North Wales development, commented: "We're delighted that that the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Government has confirmed that we're entering into negotiations to develop our Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power project in North Wales.
"Government's support for the development of carbon capture and storage infrastructure, creating the framework needed for pioneering projects like our Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power, is vital for moving towards clean power 2030 and at the same time maintaining a secure electricity supply."
Industry Minister Sarah Jones stated: "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."
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens commented: "This is another significant moment for the growing clean energy industry in Wales. We are making the º£½ÇÊÓƵ a clean energy superpower and delivering the well-paid, highly-skilled jobs of the future in the process.
"It's fantastic to see North Wales at the forefront of the carbon capture industry and the hundreds of new jobs being created by the HyNet project will help drive regional growth as well as accelerating our drive towards lower bills and energy security."
The schemes will join three existing projects already earmarked for HyNet.
re:.hese are:
- Protos Energy Recovery Facility, Encyclis, Ellesmere Port (Cheshire)
- Hanson Padeswood Cement Works Carbon Capture Project, Heidelberg Materials, Padeswood (North Wales)
- Hydrogen Production Plant 1 (HPP1), EET Hydrogen, Stanlow (Cheshire)
Five projects are also being lined up as standby projects with potential to connect to the network should space become available. These are:
- Silver Birch, Climeworks º£½ÇÊÓƵ Ltd , Stanlow (Cheshire)
- Essar Energy Transition Industrial Carbon Capture (EET ICC), EET Fuels, Stanlow (Cheshire)
- Hydrogen Production Plant 2 (HPP2), EET Hydrogen / Progressive Energy, Stanlow (Cheshire)
- Parc Adfer Energy from Waste Industrial Carbon Capture Project, Enfinium Group Ltd, Deeside (North Wales)
- Runcorn Carbon Capture Project, Viridor, Runcorn (Cheshire)
