CCSA Statement in Response to Autumn Budget 2026

London, 28 October 2026 – Responding to today’s Autumn Budget, Olivia Powis, Chief Executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), said:

“ In today’s budget, we welcome the Government’s continued commitment to deploy mature projects within HyNet and the East Coast Cluster, alongside maintained grant funding for Viking CCS. This is critical for building on the jobs, growth and reindustrialisation already being delivered as CCUS takes shape across the UK.

“The Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Acorn Project, with future support to be provided through financial transactions, such as loans or equity investments, to deliver value for taxpayers. Continued progress on both Acorn and Viking is vital to supporting industries and reindustrialisation in Scotland and the Humber.

“ We understand the need for Government to prioritise defence spending; however, the stated direction of travel for future CCUS funding, moving towards equity and loans, and the cuts seen to both Hydrogen and CCUS support do increase the level of uncertainty for both mature and future projects. Our security also depends on retaining foundational industries, including cement and chemicals, for which CCUS is essential. Loans and equity investments – including the recently announced Energy Wealth Fund  – could offer a route forward, but industry urgently needs clarity on how these mechanisms will work, when funding will be available and how they will enable final investment decisions this Parliament. We will work constructively with the Government to establish a clear, investable framework that builds on existing progress and supports its reindustrialisation ambitions.”