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.”