FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Why do we need CCS: Social and economic benefits
How many jobs will a UK CCS industry create?
The UK Government estimates the CCS industry will sustain 100,000 UK jobs by 2030 and generate up to £6.5bn a year and ultimately be of a similar size to the oil and gas industry.
In which economic sectors will these jobs be?
These jobs will be distributed throughout the economy: within the engineering and manufacturing sectors; chemical and process engineering; equipment manufacturing; pipeline design and construction; offshore exploration and in injection well construction; maintenance, operation and management; subsurface geological characterisation; and in many other specialist roles.
The UK is one of the global leaders in CCS and there is excellent potential for exporting skills and knowledge to other parts of the world.
How will CCS benefit my local community?
UK Government estimates a UK CCS industry will be able to sustain 100,000 jobs by 2030 and generate up to £6.5bn a year across the UK.
CCS transport and storage infrastructure will most likely develop in clusters around the UK. This will involve the development of CCS plants and CO2 pipeline networks in particular areas, attracting investment and generating jobs. In addition, the development of offshore storage infrastructure, such as offshore pipelines and injection facilities, will also generate a substantial number of jobs.
It’s worth remembering that a low carbon future will require significant investment. However, the Stern report to UK Government outlined that costs of tackling climate change without CCS would be 70% higher and that early action in tackling climate change is much cheaper than delayed action to achieve the same end.
Is CCS the lowest-carbon option for generating electricity?
CCS does not generate electricity. However, it enables fossil fuels including coal and gas to be used to generate electricity with significantly reduced CO2 emissions. We need all the “tools in the box” to tackle climate change, including a range of low-carbon technologies.
Do we need CCS rather than renewables to tackle climate change?
We need all the “tools in the box” to tackle climate change, including a range of low-carbon technologies. CCS has a vital role to play in the UK’s energy mix, along with nuclear and renewable energies.
