Tom Heap explores the plan, cost, and feasibility of carbon capture and storage in the UK's first carbon capture cluster. He discusses the efforts of Hynet, a project working with 40 companies to capture CO2 emissions. The podcast explores the process of fitting carbon capture to different industries and the challenges of transport and storage. It also addresses the importance of carbon capture in achieving net-zero emissions and the challenges and benefits of implementing this technology to combat climate change.
The HyNet project in the Northwest region of England and North Wales aims to decarbonize energy-intensive industries by capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions, leading to new investments in low carbon industries.
Carbon capture and storage is crucial for reducing emissions from the cement industry, which is responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions, and can help achieve net zero carbon emissions in cement production within five years.
Deep dives
Carbon Capture Clusters in the Northwest Region
The Northwest region of England and North Wales has been chosen as one of the UK's first carbon capture clusters known as Hynet. The aim is to decarbonize energy-intensive industries in the area by capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions. Around 40 companies, including Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever, and Kraft Heinz, will switch to low carbon hydrogen and implement carbon capture and storage technologies. This ambitious project, which involves building new infrastructure, is expected to cost around five to five and a half billion pounds. It is a significant step towards decarbonizing the region's manufacturing sector and bringing new investments into low carbon industries.
The Importance of Carbon Capture and Storage for Cement Industry
The cement industry is a major emitter of carbon dioxide, responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. Cement production releases CO2 during the chemical process of manufacturing, which cannot be fully eliminated even with zero carbon fuels. The only solution to reduce emissions from cement production is carbon capture and storage. By implementing this technology, cement plants like the one in Padeswood, North Wales, aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions within five years and contribute to the broader goal of decarbonizing the construction material industry.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success with Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage technology has been pursued for years, but it is now gaining momentum due to the urgency of addressing climate change and the introduction of Net Zero legislation. Companies recognize that decarbonization is no longer optional, but a necessity to stay in business. Building a successful carbon capture and storage infrastructure requires significant investment, scale, and collaboration between industries. With clear targets and regulatory frameworks in place, there is a growing will to implement carbon capture and storage projects like those in the Northwest region. It is an essential step towards achieving ambitious climate goals.
Carbon dioxide is the big villain of global warming - the "most wanted" for crimes against the climate that we'd love to lock up.
In Merseyside and North Wales, they're putting a posse together.
It's called HyNet and it's a group of around 40 carbon-intensive industries brought together as a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) cluster.
On this episode, Tom Heap hears how polluting industries plan to capture CO2 before it's released and asks: will carbon capture ever actually become a reality?
Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Field producer: Gemma Watson Editor: Paul Stanworth
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