CCSA welcomes UK’s 81% emissions reduction target as essential for mitigating climate change

[London, 12 November] – The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) welcomes Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s COP29 announcement of the UK’s ambitious target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035.

The UK, one of the first countries to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, has set a powerful example of climate leadership at a critical time in the net zero transition.

With 2024 projected to be the first year global temperatures exceed the 1.5°C limit of the Paris Agreement, and with extreme weather events causing unprecedented ecological and economic damage worldwide, the need for decisive action on reducing emissions has never been greater.

Achieving the 81% reduction target will require comprehensive decarbonisation of the power sector. Despite a positive increase in the development of renewable technologies, Gas-fired power remains an important part of the UK’s energy mix to ensure a consistent supply of energy to UK homes and businesses, especially during recent periods of low renewable generation. The use of power generation from CCS-equipped gas fired power stations is an important aspect of supporting a just transition towards a resilient and reliable low-carbon energy system.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) plays a crucial role in preventing millions of tonnes of CO₂ from reaching the atmosphere. It is essential not only for achieving emissions targets but also for ensuring energy security, as it provides the flexibility needed to balance the grid and support industries like manufacturing and transportation during periods of low wind and solar power.

The UK’s first two CCUS projects, HyNet and the East Coast Cluster, are set to capture over 8.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—the equivalent of removing nearly four million cars from off the road. These projects mark a vital step towards positioning the UK as a global leader in CCUS technology, supporting key industries and driving decarbonisation in critical sectors such as cement and chemicals.

According to the latest national greenhouse gas emissions statistics, the 81% reduction represents a decrease from 813 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 1990 to 154 MtCO₂e by 2035.(1) Given the UK’s target of achieving 20-30 Mtpa of CCUS by 2030 and 50 Mtpa by 2035, it is evident that CCUS will be instrumental in achieving this reduction goal.

The CCSA looks forward to continuing to work with the Government to achieve this ambitious target and secure the UK’s energy future.

Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA said:

“CCUS is an essential element of industrial decarbonisation and climate mitigation plans. With the UN’s clear warning about the risks of delay, urgent action is needed to protect people, the planet, and economies.”

“By setting the ambitious target of an 81% emissions reduction by 2035, the Prime Minister has shown a strong commitment to decarbonising the economy and advancing CCUS deployment in the UK’s industrial heartlands. It’s vital we keep up the momentum on CCUS technology to meet our emission reduction goals.”

Notes to Editors

Press Pack: Infographics and an animation accompany the press release for use. Download the press pack here.

About the CCSA

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 industrial decarbonisation as well as the production of clean power, clean products (such as cement and chemicals) and clean hydrogen – which can also be used to decarbonise industry. 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 120 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 in the power, industry, waste management, fuels, and hydrogen production sectors, plus supply chain, engineering, construction and management, legal and financial consulting sectors.

For media enquiries please email press@ccsassociation.org

References:
(1) – (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). (2023). Final UK greenhouse gas emissions national statistics: 1990 to 2021 (Accredited official statistics). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/final-uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics-1990-to-2021 on 12 November 2024.

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– Mark Sommerfeld has been appointed as CCSA UK Director, starting in December 2024, following nine years at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA).

– Mark has considerable experience of Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS), particularly Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS).
– Mark’s appointment bolsters the trade association’s mission to see CCUS developed at pace across the UK.

[London, 11 November] – Mark Sommerfeld has been appointed as UK Director of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) and will start in December, following Olivia Powis’s appointment as CEO in September 2024.

Mark brings 13 years of experience in the energy sector and will lead the CCSA’s work on the commercial deployment of large-scale integrated CCUS Clusters and projects across the UK.

During his time at the REA, Mark supported the development of Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), working across biomass power, energy from waste and anaerobic digestion sectors, and brings considerable expertise to the CCSA on the need to deploy these important technologies to combat climate change.

Mark joins at a critical time for the CCUS industry, which is on the cusp of deploying projects in the UK. The Government’s funding commitment in October for the first two CCUS clusters in the North West and North East of England will see CO₂ emissions reduced from industrial processes, hydrogen and low carbon power generation. These projects will also create thousands of new highly skilled jobs and protect thousands of existing jobs in critical industries like cement, chemicals and manufacturing.

The UK Government has confirmed that CCUS is essential to meeting our net zero targets, and the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has recommended that the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commits to reduce territorial greenhouse gas emissions by 81% from 1990 to 2035. Both are important as governments and stakeholders head to Baku for COP29 to discuss emissions reduction.

The CCSA has been working with the Government to secure the UK’s position as a world leader in CCUS and low carbon hydrogen production, and to meet the CCC’s target of 20-30 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂ captured and stored by 2030, rising to 50-60 Mt by 2035. The appointment of Mark as UK Director provides the trade association with additional expertise and experience to drive forward CCUS to decarbonise the UK’s industrial heartlands, deliver energy security and create jobs in a new low-carbon economy.

Mark Sommerfeld said:

“After more than a decade working alongside a wide range of renewable energy developers and operators, I am thrilled to join the CCSA at such a pivotal time. Achieving net zero demands a comprehensive approach, including carbon capture and carbon removal technologies, alongside low-carbon generation. As such, I am excited to build on my experience to help deliver this critical sector.”

“With recent Government commitments, the UK continues to lead carbon capture deployment. Scaling this technology will drive decarbonisation across key industrial sectors while unlocking significant economic benefits—creating jobs, enhancing skills, and advancing clean growth across the UK.”

“I look forward to working with our members, the Government, and stakeholders to accelerate deployment and reach the ambitious net zero targets essential to our climate and economy.”

Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA said:

“We are thrilled to have Mark join us. He brings considerable energy sector experience to bolster our team of experts, all of whom are committed to tackling climate change and seeing CCUS developed at pace to decarbonise British industries.”

“With the UK CCUS industry at an exciting point in its development, Mark will no doubt have a significant impact on the CCSA’s important work supporting our members to rollout this important net zero transition technology.”

Notes to Editors

Mark Sommerfeld Biography

Mark joins the CCSA after serving as Deputy Director of Policy at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA). Mark has 13 years experience in the energy sector, spanning energy supply and voluntary carbon trading, alongside advocating for a diverse range of renewable and low-carbon technologies.

At the REA, Mark led policy efforts on bioenergy carbon capture and storage, working across biomass power, energy from waste, and anaerobic digestion sectors. Mark spearheaded the REA’s advocacy for greenhouse gas removal initiatives, Power BECCS, and Industrial Carbon Capture business models, and the REA’s work on the development of the UK Biomass Strategy

During Mark’s career, he has sat on multiple government-industry task forces across energy and infrastructure topics, is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and an alumni of Cambridge University and Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.

About the CCSA

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 industrial decarbonisation as well as the production of clean power, clean products (such as cement and chemicals) and clean hydrogen – which can also be used to decarbonise industry. 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 120 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 in the power, industry, waste management, fuels, and hydrogen production sectors, plus supply chain, engineering, construction and management, legal and financial consulting sectors.

For media enquiries please email press@ccsassociation.org

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• The CCSA welcomes Government commitment to fund the UK’s first carbon capture and storage projects.
• Important step in efforts to decarbonise the UK’s industrial heartlands and create thousands of skilled jobs, as well as protecting existing jobs in energy intensive industries.
• Announcement highlights the Government’s commitment to net zero targets and decarbonisation, not de-industrialisation.

[London, 4 October] – The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) welcomes the Government taking this significant step in providing funding commitment to establish the UK’s first carbon capture industry in the North East of England (the East Coast Cluster), and North West of England and North Wales (HyNet).

Carbon capture and storage technologies offer a vital route to decarbonise our industrial heartlands. With Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), we can futureproof key British industries such as cement, chemicals and other manufacturing sectors, which are critical to the UK’s clean industrial growth.

This decision demonstrates the Government’s understanding of the urgency needed to deliver net zero at pace. The deployment of the world’s first two large-scale CCUS clusters will be instrumental in achieving net zero and clean power ambitions, as well as driving sustainable economic growth across the UK’s industrial regions.

By taking this landmark step, the UK is on course to solidify its position as a world leader in CCUS and low carbon hydrogen production, as well as to meet the Climate Change Committee’s target of 20-30 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂ captured and stored by 2030, rising to 50-60 Mt by 2035.

The CCUS sector holds huge potential for economic prosperity across the UK by creating 70,000 new skilled jobs and protecting 77,000 jobs in critical industries. This is not counting the jobs and inward investment into the UK as companies re-locate here to take advantage of the CO₂ transport and storage, and low carbon infrastructure that will be available in the UK’s CCUS Clusters. Industry will continue to work with government and others to achieve financial close so they can start construction as soon as possible.

CCUS and low-carbon hydrogen are essential components of any pathway to net zero power by 2030 and net zero by 2050, and today’s announcement is a significant boost to local economies, jobs and industrial decarbonisation efforts.

Olivia Powis, Chief Executive Officer at the CCSA said:

“The Government’s confirmed support for carbon capture and storage and low-carbon hydrogen demonstrates their commitment to the UK’s journey to net zero. Today’s announcement shows that decarbonisation does not mean de-industrialisation, and highlights the UK’s leadership in these important technologies.”

“The industry has made significant strides towards deploying carbon capture projects and by progressing the first two CCUS clusters in the North West and North East of England, it means that we can deliver thousands of new highly skilled jobs whilst reducing our CO₂ emissions and retaining existing jobs in our industrial areas in critical industries like cement, chemicals and manufacturing across the UK.”

David Parkin, Chair of the HyNet Alliance said:

“HyNet was formed to meet the demands of industry wanting to decarbonise to deliver sustainable products and compete in the global low carbon economy. We need to decarbonise, not by de-industrialising, but by investing in the industries that we rely on for the every day products in our lives – from the glass bottles we use for our food and drink to the cement we use to build roads and buildings.”

“Government’s commitment to HyNet will also enable generation of resilient low carbon power, right here in the industrial North West and North Wales, supporting its Clean Power 2030 Mission.”

“This will create new roles and safeguard existing jobs, attracting investment and catalysing growth.”

Chris Daykin, General Manager, Northern Endurance Partnership, said:

“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone in the development of CCUS infrastructure in the UK and the journey to Net Zero emissions by 2050. The Northern Endurance Partnership, as the CO₂ transportation and storage infrastructure provider to the East Coast Cluster, has a crucial role to play in the decarbonisation of Teesside and the Humber – helping create and support thousands of jobs and helping to establish the regions as globally-competitive low carbon hubs for industry and innovation.

“Construction will commence once all statutory processes are complete and financial close is achieved.”

Notes to Editors

Interview requests: To interview Olivia Powis, Chief Executive of the CCSA please contact press@ccsassociation.org

Press Pack: Infographics and an animation accompanies the press release for use. Download the press pack here.

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 industrial decarbonisation as well as the production of clean power, clean products (such as cement and chemicals) and clean hydrogen – which can also be used to decarbonise industry. 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 120 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 in the power, industry, waste management, fuels, and hydrogen production sectors, plus supply chain, engineering, construction and management, legal and financial consulting sectors.

For media enquiries please contact Sara Price on 07825235313 / press@ccsassociation.org

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[London, 23 August 2024] – The Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) has today published CCUS Voices. This publication brings together experts from across the Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) value chain, who have provided their independent insights into the forward-looking opportunities for the industry.

Drawing on expertise in areas such as power and industrial decarbonisation, innovation and skills, CO₂ transport and storage, carbon markets, governance, sustainability and public perception, these Voices set out their ambitions for the delivery of a new CCUS industry at pace across the UK and EU.

The deployment of the world’s first large-scale CCUS clusters in the UK will be instrumental in achieving net zero ambitions and driving sustainable industrial growth, and will provide learnings to other countries with ambitious CCUS plans.

As CCUS transitions from concept to large-scale reality, the perspectives set out in CCUS Voices from thought leaders in industry, academia, and policy, offer an in-depth analysis of the challenges as well as the important opportunities ahead.

These experts have put forward recommendations on the immediate actions needed to advance CCUS. This includes establishing clear policy direction and expansion plans for CCUS clusters, reforming planning and permitting systems to accelerate project timelines, and implementing supportive revenue models to drive private sector investment.

These CCUS Voices have shared their long-term vision for the use of CCUS to meet ambitious climate goals, secure a sustainable future for heavy industries and produce clean power that will help deliver energy security.

Ruth Herbert, Chief Executive of the CCSA said:

“The UK CCUS industry has come a long way in recent years and is now poised ready to deploy the first two CCUS clusters. I have been encouraged by the level of innovation, insight and expertise in the industry, as well as the ambition to drive forward projects to create the low carbon economy.”

“These experts have provided their perspectives on the future opportunities that the industry can unlock, as well as what is needed to further develop the industry from both the Government and through industry lead initiatives, in order to navigate the next set of challenges and seize the global opportunities.”

Tom Glover, Chair, CCSA, and UK Country Chair, RWE:

“I am excited to be part of the UK’s CCS journey and to see the role it will play in shoring up vital energy security and resilience, whilst driving a global transition to a sustainable future. As UK Country Chair at RWE, we recognise our responsibility. We’re committed to the net zero transition to support the UK’s decarbonisation targets whilst maintaining security of supply.”

Notes to Editors

The full report is available here.

Interview requests
For interview request to CCUS Voices contributions, please contact press@ccsassociation.org

About the CCSA

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 industrial decarbonisation as well as the production of clean power, clean products (such as cement and chemicals) and clean hydrogen – which can also be used to decarbonise industry. 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 120 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 in the power, industry, waste management, fuels, and hydrogen production sectors, plus supply chain, engineering, construction and management, legal and financial consulting sectors.

For media enquiries please email press@ccsassociation.org

[London, 31 July 2024] – Today, the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) published their ‘Supply Chain Initial Forecast Report’. This report sets out key trends and opportunities in the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) supply chain across six commitment areas: transparency, skills, jobs, UK content, technology, and wider economic benefits.

The findings in the report were developed by engaging with nine Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project developers over a six-month period to analyse the commitments and aspirations across 11 individual CCS projects that are deploying over the next few years.

The report finds that the development of a competitive, UK-based supply chain needs certainty of future carbon capture projects. Through understanding the pipeline of projects across power CCS, hydrogen production, Greenhouse Gas Removals and industrial decarbonisation, UK supply chains can invest and grow to meet demand needs.

Importantly, the industry is committed to rolling out CCUS across the UK, with a strong ambition towards the advancement the robust UK-based supply chains and wider economic and social benefits; including local jobs, investment in skills and technology, and projects which put community benefit at the heart of their deployment plans.

To realise the six key recommendations in the report, collaborative work across the whole CCUS industry, trade associations, Government, and wider stakeholders is needed. The recommendations are as follows:

1. Deliver the first round of CCUS projects and commit to future clusters and allocation rounds, to provide confidence to the CCUS sector.
2. Award GIGA (Green Industries Growth Accelerator) to provide support to the supply chain and maintain the focus on developing local content opportunities across design, manufacturing, fabrication, construction and operation.
3. Develop a set of Supply Chain Guiding Principles, encompassing transparent and fair procurement, sector development initiatives and good industrial relations, to further embed best practice early in the sector’s development.
4. Greater coordination of skills development is critical to addressing current and future skills gaps.
5. Increase supply chain engagement opportunities; including through events, CCUS specific supply chain directories and adjoining programmes such as Fit4CCUS, to ensure the wide variety of opportunities on offer are clearly communicated.
6. Expand reporting processes to companies that will deliver CCUS projects (including EPCs and Tier-1 contractors) and the wider CCUS supply chain, and iterate deliverable commitments for these sectors.

Ruth Herbert, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said:

“The findings of this report highlight the critical importance of government providing certainty and commitment to a forward plan of CCUS projects across the UK. CCUS is essential to decarbonise British industry and meet the Government’s clean power target by 2030. By targeting support to deliver the first rounds of CCUS projects, we will develop a home-grown UK-based CCUS supply chain and deliver much greater benefits to UK Plc from the scale up of carbon capture projects. A focus on targeted investment and collaboration across the CCUS industry, Government, skills providers and wider industry stakeholders will be important in order achieve the report’s recommendations, and deliver on the voluntary industry target of 50% UK content by 2030 in manufacturing, goods, and services.”

Notes to Editors

Supply Chain Initial Forecast Report

To read the full report, see HERE. For the Executive Summary, see HERE.

About the CCSA

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 industrial decarbonisation as well as the production of clean power, clean products (such as cement and chemicals) and clean hydrogen – which can also be used to decarbonise industry. 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 120 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 in the power, industry, waste management, fuels, and hydrogen production sectors, plus supply chain, engineering, construction and management, legal and financial consulting sectors.

For media enquiries please email press@ccsassociation.org

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