10.07.2024

CCSA welcomes the creation of ‘Mission Control’ for clean power

[London, 10 July 2024] – The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) has welcomed the appointment of Chris Stark to head the Government’s new ‘Mission Control’ team, tasked with delivering clean power by 2030 by “breaking down barriers and accelerating progress on energy projects”.

The Mission Control for Clean Power will focus on four key strands of activity:
• Setting and tracking the overall approach to delivering 2030 across the energy system
• Real-time monitoring of progress on UK infrastructure projects critical to 2030
• Acting as an innovation centre by encouraging discussion among experts
• Serving as a convener for the Mission Control approach across government and with industry

The body will be led by Chris Stark, the former Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee (CCC). Stark will bring together a team of industry experts and government officials as part of ‘Mission Control’ to troubleshoot, negotiate and clear the way for energy projects with “laser focus.”

Mission Control is set to will work with energy companies, the regulator (Ofgem), National Grid and the Energy System Operator to identify and remove obstacles in the delivery of the clean energy mission.

To make the UK a clean energy superpower, carbon capture and storage has a key role to play. The rollout of power carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is important for the development of the future energy system. It provides low carbon power generation, enabling more renewables on the system, enhancing energy security.

Ruth Herbert, Chief Executive of the CCSA, said:

“This decision demonstrates that the Government understands the urgency needed to deliver net zero at pace.”

“Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an essential component of any pathway to net zero power by 2030. We want to see the laser-focus of the mission control applied to the delivery of CCUS Clusters, which are essential to reduce our power and industrial emissions, support jobs and grow our economy.

“Chris Stark is the right person for the job and has a wealth of experience on climate and energy, and understands the urgency required from his time at the CCC – we very much look forward to working closely with him to accelerate the pace on CCUS.

Olivia Powis, UK Director of the CCSA, said:

“The energy sector is at the heart of the UK’s transition to net zero emissions, and we welcome this strong signal from the Government that it is taking the responsibility of delivering projects seriously.

“We look forward to working with Chris and his team as we make progress in deploying CCUS projects. One of the first priorities for Mission Control should be supporting the signing of Final Investment Decisions for Track-1 CCUS clusters in the North West and North East, which will deliver 860MW of flexible low carbon power and over 850MW of low carbon hydrogen production by 2030”.

Notes to Editors

CCUS, or Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage, is a key low carbon solution – vital to meeting the UK’s statutory Net Zero target at least cost. CCUS enables the production of clean power, clean products (such as steel and cement) and clean hydrogen – which can then be used to decarbonise heating and transport. In addition, CCUS also enables greenhouse gas removal from the atmosphere through Direct Air Capture with Storage (DACS) or Bioenergy with CCS (BECCS).
   
The CCSA is the trade association accelerating the commercial deployment of CCUS, with offices in the UK and Belgium. We work with members, governments and other organisations to ensure CCUS is developed and deployed at the pace and scale necessary to meet net zero goals and deliver sustainable growth across regions and nations. 
  
The CCSA currently has over 100 member companies who are active in exploring and developing different applications of carbon capture and removals, CO2 transportation by pipeline and ship, utilisation, geological storage, and other permanent storage solutions, end-users such as power, industry, waste, fuels, and hydrogen production sectors, plus supply chain, engineering, construction and management, legal and financial consulting sectors. 
   
For media enquiries please contact Joe Butler-Trewin on 07908 141 067/ joe.butler-trewin@ccsassociation.org

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