CCSA Welcomes Independent Review of Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR)

The CCSA welcomes the launch of the Independent Review of Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR), Chaired by Dr Alan Whitehead CBE.

Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA said:

“GGR technologies are critical for addressing the climate crisis. They are required alongside the deployment of CCUS, which the UK Government has already made significant progress on deploying in Merseyside and Teesside.”

“This Review is important for accelerating progress on the construction of large-scale GGR projects. While much work has already been undertaken by the industry and Government to develop policies and GGR business models, through Dr Alan Whitehead’s leadership this Review has the potential to significantly move the industry forwards, and the industry stands ready to engage with the Review to ensure its success.”

“While this Review is being carried out, the shortlisting and progressing GGR projects, including the GGR/Power BECCS business models, must continue. Any slowdown has a serious impact on the absolute need to meet net zero targets.”

In response to reports that British Steel will be closing their blast furnaces at Scunthorpe, please see below for a statement from the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA). We feel that this is a missed opportunity to deploy Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) which could have protected these important jobs and retained UK steel making capabilities.

Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA, said:

“For industrial towns like Scunthorpe, proximity to CCUS clusters such as Viking CCS and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) Track-1 Expansion in the Humber can provide a lifeline to businesses seeking to decarbonise and keep operations going. News that British Steel, who need to transition to a greener form of steel production, could close their blast furnaces at Scunthorpe poses a real blow to UK steel and wider manufacturing capabilities.”

“Transitioning industries, including UK steel, to low-carbon operations is vital for their long-term viability and competitiveness in the global low-carbon products market. Industry has been ready and waiting to deploy CCUS for a number of years and if faster progress had been made by all governments, these jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands could have been protected and the sustainability of critical manufacturing outputs secured.”

“While electric arc has been discussed for steel production, carbon capture is a clear and valid option, but the infrastructure needs to be approved and in place to do this. British Steel successfully undertook a mobile carbon capture pilot plant at their Central Power Station in Scunthorpe with the University of Sheffield, developing transport fuels from the captured CO₂. It is a missed opportunity to not do this at scale and retain production of virgin steel in the UK. We are facing a real risk of the UK finding itself the only G7 country without domestic steelmaking ability. To retain the UK’s skilled industrial workforce, blast furnaces with carbon capture, utilisation and storage should continue to be under consideration.”

The CCSA welcomes the National Wealth Fund’s (NWF) commitment to investing in carbon capture projects, as outlined in the Government’s Statement of Strategic Priorities.

Following the announcement, CCSA CEO, Olivia Powis, said:

“Confirmation that the National Wealth Fund will be investing in carbon capture projects provides an additional boost to the private capital already invested by the sector in projects across the UK. CCUS is a vital aspect of the Government’s Plan for Change and will play a central role in enabling Clean Power by 2030, 81% emissions reductions by 2035 and net zero by 2050.”

“It is also a growth enabler, and we anticipate that the sector could generate over 50,000 jobs, attract £26bn in private investment, and contribute £94bn in GVA by 2050. It’s therefore important that pace is maintained on deployment as we need capture plants to be operational as soon as possible.”

Today, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, delivered the UK Government’s Spring Statement, against the backdrop of slow economic growth, reduced fiscal headroom and challenging geopolitical developments on trade.

In response to the Spring Statement our UK Director, Mark Sommerfield, said:

“The Chancellor’s focus in the Spring Statement on delivering economic growth – through planning reform and delivery of skills in the construction sector – will be important for advancing the CCUS industry.”

“We need a planning system that doesn’t unduly hinder the rollout of the CCUS projects. While additional capacity and skills in the construction sector will be vital for energy infrastructure projects, ensuring that CCUS clusters are delivered on schedule to meet our climate targets.”

“However, for the UK to maintain a competitive edge in CCUS deployment, the Government must urgently provide long-awaited updates on project selection for Track-2, Track-1 expansion, and other CCUS projects capable of deploying on similar timelines.”

“Decisive action now will enable the UK to achieve clean power by 2030, reduce emissions by 81% by 2035, and, crucially, reach net zero by 2050.”

The CCSA’s CEO Olivia Powis responds to the Conservative Party’s revised position on net zero. This follows Party Leader Kemi Badenoch’s speech where she put forward that it would be “impossible” for the UK to reach net zero by 2050 and subsequent commentary from climate champions rebutting the change of position.

Read Olivia’s full response below:

“Net zero by 2050 is absolutely achievable and will drive economic growth, particularly through technologies such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Legislating on net zero has driven investment – and despite pressures on financing, global investment in clean energy was set to reach USD 2 trillion in 2024 almost double the amount going to fossil fuels. In 2015, the ratio of clean power to unabated fossil fuel power investments was roughly 2:1 and in 2024, this ratio was set to reach 10:1. Having a clear target galvanises action and investments in a low carbon economy, which will benefit industry, civil society and our local industrial regions.”

“Net zero is crucial not only for tackling climate change but generating economic growth. Our analysis shows that by delivering all CCUS clusters and projects across the UK, over 50,000 jobs could be generated, £26bn in private investment attracted into the UK and £94bn in GVA contributed by 2050.”

“It is through the deployment of technologies like CCUS that the UK will be able to scale up domestic energy production, safeguard our foundational industries and produce low-carbon projects for the global market, all by 2050. It has been encouraging that leading Conservative climate champions such as Rt Hon Chris Skidmore, former Energy Minster, and John Gummer, Rt Hon The Lord Deben, former Chair of the Climate Change Committee, continue to emphasise the need to stay the course on net zero. The scientific evidence is clear on why it’s needed and if the UK economy is to grow, demonstrating climate leadership in action will continue to attract significant sums of green investment.”

The recent publication of nine low-carbon and renewable options for Grangemouth marks an important step towards transforming the region into a green manufacturing hub.

With a £7.5 billion investment needed to transform the site, CCUS will be key to successfully delivering these projects – including the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the development of green hydrogen facilities to support the UK’s net zero ambitions.

To ensure the success of these initiatives, the rapid deployment of CCUS technologies is vital. CCUS will play a crucial role in decarbonising industrial heartlands like Grangemouth, facilitating the transition of highly skilled jobs into the low-carbon economy. By leveraging the UK’s expertise from the North Sea oil and gas sector, we can solidify our position as a global leader in climate action.

Read our UK Director, Mark Sommerfeld’s, full statement below:

“We welcome publication of the nine low-carbon and renewable options for Grangemouth’s future. CCUS has an important role to play in the successful delivery of these projects. In order to decarbonise industrial heartlands like Grangemouth and transition highly skilled jobs into the low-carbon economy, it’s critical that capture projects are rolled out at speed.”

“This allows the UK to build on the expertise gained from North Sea oil and gas sector and secure the UK’s position as a global leader in climate action.”

The CCSA welcomes the launch of the Celtic Freeport. This is a transformative opportunity for South West Wales and will drive the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy, creating high-quality jobs, boosting economic growth, and delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Welcoming the launch CCSA UK Director, Mark Sommerfield, recently said:
“The launch of the Celtic Freeport marks a significant step towards unlocking Wales’ industrial decarbonisation potential. By providing the infrastructure and investment needed to deploy carbon capture and storage at scale, the Freeport will support the transition of key industries, create high-quality jobs, and help position Wales as a leader in low-carbon innovation. The CCSA looks forward to working with the Westminster and Welsh Governments as well as the industry to ensure CCUS plays a central role in delivering the Freeport’s vision and driving long-term economic and environmental benefits for South West Wales and beyond.“

Overview 

In February 2025, the CCSA submitted a response to the Welsh Government’s preferred policy on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) consultation.  

The consultation explored the challenges and opportunities of CCUS in Wales; the potential for CCUS to support Welsh decarbonisation goals, whilst retaining sustainable industry within Wales; and outlined the Welsh Government’s preferred policy position at this time. 

The Welsh Government’s key policy principles focus on primarily achieving decarbonisation through sustainable methods and reducing fossil fuel reliance, whilst fostering long-term decarbonisation and economic growth. The policy position outlined that CCUS should be supported where:  

• it makes a clear contribution to decarbonisation and the economy,  

• there are no reasonable alternatives to reduce emissions, and  

• its deployment does not unnecessarily prolong the use of fossil fuels. 

Why does it Matter? 

The launch of this consultation marks a crucial step in recognising the role that CCUS can play in the decarbonisation of Wales and raising public awareness of the technology’s role in the wider net zero transition.  

Three CCUS clusters are currently looking to deploy either wholly or partially in Wales: HyNet North West, the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) and 7CO₂, with six corresponding capture projects: Parc Adfer, Padeswood Cement Works CCS, Connah’s Quay Low Carbon Power Project, Uskmouth Power Station Carbon Capture, Trident Park Energy Recovery Facility, and the Pembroke Power Station Decarbonisation project. These projects require the support of the Welsh Government to ensure they become operational and fully achieve their decarbonisation potential. 

CCSA Position 

Disagreement with the Preferred Policy Position 

The consultation phrasing of “emission reduction methods that avoid the creation of emissions is preferable to CCUS, where such methods are technically and economically feasible”, and the need to “eliminate all need for capture and storage” is challenging for the CCSA to fully agree with. CCUS has been classified as an “unavoidable” technology if we are to achieve our global net zero ambitions by both the Climate Change Committee and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The preferred policy position also misaligns with the established well-being goals and proposals outlined in Net Zero Wales Carbon Budget 2 (2021-2025).   

CCUS is crucial for decarbonising hard-to-abate industries such as cement and lime, enabling low-carbon products production, power generation, and negative emissions. Despite extensive evidence supporting CCUS, the Welsh Government’s hesitation contrasts with the advice set out by the IPCC, CCC, and numerous independent experts, potentially delaying critical market progress in Wales. As a result, the CCSA does not fully support the Welsh Government’s current policy position.  

Furthermore, the CCSA set out that the current policy places a burden on developers to make the case for CCUS projects over other low-carbon technologies in the absence of clear criteria and guidance on how this will be judged. 

How CCUS Can Boost Welsh Opportunities 

CCUS represents a significant opportunity for Wales, particularly as around 90% of Welsh energy is currently derived from fossil fuels. Modelling suggests that by 2050, using CCUS could reduce Welsh industry emissions by 5-6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (MtCO2e), compared to scenarios without CCUS. 

Economically, CCUS could bring substantial benefits to Wales. By 2030, CCUS could attract up to £26 billion in private investment to the UK with Wales set to share in these gains. The UK is well-positioned to lead the global market, with nearly one-third of Europe’s total storage capacity. Welsh focused research also suggests offshore storage in the East Irish Sea is a strong opportunity for Welsh carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. 

Incorporating CCUS aligns with several important Welsh principles, such as the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, but also the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. Additionally, CCUS can drive investment in pioneering technology fostering growth and job creation in Welsh heartlands –helping to support Welsh innovation goals. Not only will this encourage locals to stay, thereby helping to protect Welsh culture and language, but it will also help to engage with Welsh communities and bring them on the journey to net zero.  

Supporting policies and actions are crucial for the success of current and future projects. These include the implementation of pipeline and non-pipeline transport (NPT) of CO2, addressing regulatory barriers, streamlining of planning and permitting processes, and the need for clear distinctions between the roles of the UK and Welsh Governments to ensure that developers understand each government’s responsibilities, although continual collaboration and alignment will be key. 

Moving Forward and Next Steps 

Based on the outcome of the consultation, the preferred policy position will be finalised and presented in a Ministerial written statement to the Senedd. It will outline the policy objective for CCUS and will be incorporated into future editions of Planning Policy Wales and Net Zero Wales Carbon Budgets.  

Detailed guidance on implementing the policy will then be developed for planning offices and other decision-makers. While the preferred policy position will set out strategic objectives, it will not offer specific advice on how to apply them. As a result, further guidance will clarify how the policy works in practice and outline the types of evidence required from developers and decision-makers. 

Clear policy guidance will provide demand certainty for CCUS, enabling Welsh decarbonisation stakeholders and project developers to move forward with confidence. CCUS is vital to Welsh net zero ambitions, and the CCSA is eager for the Welsh Government seize this opportunity. 

The CCSA welcomes the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to UK Parliament today. Considerable opportunities exist to streamline the planning system; a goal which will be essential for the development of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) clusters and other key infrastructure, supporting the UK’s industrial strategy and net zero ambitions.

On behalf of the CCSA, our UK Director, Mark Sommerfeld, said:

“The CCSA welcomes the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is a key step in unlocking infrastructure critical to delivering net zero. Considerable opportunities exist to streamline the planning system; a goal which will be essential for the efficient development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) clusters and other vital infrastructure across the UK in line with the Government’s industrial and net zero ambitions.”

“The Government’s commitment to fast-track major infrastructure projects, including CCUS, as part of its ambition to accelerate clean energy growth is extremely welcome. Accelerating CCUS deployment will be vital for decarbonising industry, providing low-carbon power, and driving economic growth. Removing planning barriers will help reduce costs, unlock over 50,000 skilled jobs, attract £26bn in private investment by 2030, and ensure the UK remains a global leader in clean technologies – while decarbonising heavy industry and securing reliable clean power for millions of homes.”

“As outlined in our recent Cost Reduction Report, streamlining the planning system is critical to reducing the cost of CCUS deployment. Faster project delivery will help secure value for money, scale up the CCUS sector, and strengthen the UK’s low-carbon energy security.”

“We also welcome reforms to the electricity grid, which are essential to delivering clean, secure, and affordable power. The Government’s ambition to make the UK a clean energy superpower must prioritise removing planning barriers for CCUS infrastructure to turn this vision into reality.”