Carbon Storage in the UK: Locations, Methods & Future Plans

Carbon storage is about keeping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. In the UK, this is done through two main routes: storing carbon underground using geological formations, and storing carbon in nature through ecosystems like peatlands, woodlands and salt marshes.

This page explores where carbon is stored in the UK, how storage methods work in both engineered and natural settings, and what is planned next as part of the UK’s effort to reach net zero.

Where Is Carbon Stored in the UK?

Underground Storage Sites

Most geological carbon storage in the UK takes place beneath the North Sea, where the geology is well suited for permanent carbon storage.

• Depleted oil and gas fields are being reused to store carbon. These areas held natural fuels for millions of years and are now being adapted to hold captured carbon dioxide.
• Saline aquifers, deep underground rock formations filled with salt water, also provide stable long-term storage. These formations are found in the Northern, Central and Southern North Sea and in the East Irish Sea.

The Central North Sea alone has enough theoretical capacity to store up to 40 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. In total, the UK’s offshore storage potential exceeds 70 billion tonnes. Licences have already been granted for over 20 storage areas, covering a seabed area the size of Yorkshire.

Several major carbon storage projects are linked to this offshore network:

• The Acorn Project in Aberdeenshire will store carbon from Scotland’s industrial heartlands.
• The East Coast Cluster, based in Yorkshire and Teesside, uses the Endurance aquifer under the North Sea to store carbon captured from nearby industry.
• HyNet in North West England is developing pipelines to transport carbon to storage sites in Liverpool Bay.

These areas form part of a growing network of industrial clusters tied to underground storage. Each site has been selected based on local infrastructure, storage conditions and emission sources.

Natural Carbon Stores

Alongside engineered systems, the UK has natural landscapes that store vast amounts of carbon above ground and underground.

• Peatlands cover around 10 percent of the UK’s land area but hold more carbon than all its forests combined. They are concentrated in places like the Flow Country in northern Scotland, the Lewis Peatlands in the Outer Hebrides, and upland areas of England and Wales.
• Woodlands, especially those with native tree species, capture carbon in trees, undergrowth and soils. Expanding woodland cover is one of the UK’s key climate priorities.
• Salt marshes and coastal wetlands trap carbon in mud and plant material while also protecting against flooding. Major sites include Morecambe Bay, the Thames Estuary and parts of the Scottish coast.

Each of these ecosystems plays a different role but contributes to long-term storage of carbon. You can read more about these landscapes in our explainer on carbon sinks and how they help reduce emissions.

What Are the Future Plans?

Expanding Geological Storage

The UK government has identified carbon storage as essential to reaching net zero. Through its Track One and Track Two programmes, it is supporting pipeline construction, offshore site development and new licensing rounds.

Originally, the Department stated it aimed to capture and store between 20 and 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2030. However, in December 2024, it confirmed that this target is no longer considered achievable. As of now, no revised targets have been announced.

Despite this shift, investment continues in industrial clusters, transport infrastructure and monitoring systems to support long-term storage. Further licensing and appraisal work is under way to expand the country’s offshore capacity.

Scaling Natural Restoration

Nature-based carbon storage is also expanding. Key projects include:

• The Great North Bog, which aims to restore a connected network of upland peatlands across northern England. This project covers nearly 7,000 square kilometres and could store millions of tonnes of carbon.
• Ongoing peatland restoration across the Flow Country, the Pennines and the Peak District
• New woodland creation supported by community groups and national programmes
• Coastal restoration initiatives in areas vulnerable to sea level rise

Peat restoration techniques include rewetting damaged sites and blocking drainage ditches to slow water loss. Some farmers are also exploring wetter farming methods that allow food production while reducing emissions.

FAQs

What is carbon storage and why is it important?

Carbon storage prevents carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. It supports efforts to slow global warming and is central to the UK’s climate goals.

Where is carbon stored in the UK?

Carbon is stored offshore beneath the North Sea and in natural ecosystems such as peatlands, woodlands and wetlands.

How does geological storage work?

Carbon is captured, compressed and injected into deep underground rock formations, where it remains sealed beneath layers of dense rock.

How do natural landscapes store carbon?

Plants absorb carbon from the air and store it in soil, roots and organic matter. Peatlands, forests and wetlands all hold carbon over long periods.

What is planned for carbon storage in the UK?

The government is expanding support for both engineered storage and nature-based solutions, including industrial clusters, peatland restoration and new woodland creation.

Sources:

• https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmselect/cmpubacc/351/report.html
• https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-to-drive-carbon-capture-industry-forward