Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in the UK: What It Is & Why It Matters

Carbon capture and storage, or CCS, is a method used to prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. It works by capturing carbon where it is produced, such as at power stations or industrial sites, and storing it deep underground in suitable rock formations. This prevents the gas from contributing to global warming and is one of several tools being explored to help reduce emissions.

How Does Carbon Capture Work?

Carbon capture involves three main stages: capturing the carbon, transporting it to a storage site, and securely storing it.

Carbon capture

Capture happens at the source of emissions. This could be a factory, a power plant or even directly from the air using specialist equipment. There are several methods, including removing carbon after fuel is burned or before combustion takes place. Some technologies can also capture carbon directly from the atmosphere.

Carbon transport

Transport usually involves moving the captured gas through pipelines, although ships and lorries may be used in some cases. The aim is to get the carbon dioxide to a site where it can be safely stored.

Carbon storage

Storage typically takes place in deep geological formations. These include depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, which are rock layers that have held liquid for millions of years. To learn more about how and where carbon is stored, visit our guide on carbon storage locations, methods and future plans.

Carbon Capture and Storage in the UK

In the United Kingdom, carbon capture is considered part of the national strategy for reaching net zero. The government supports its development through funding and regulation, especially in regions with high-emission industries. These areas are being developed into industrial clusters where carbon capture sites are located close to carbon storage areas. This setup lowers costs, creates new jobs and strengthens local economies.

Key UK CCS Projects

Several large projects are already in progress:

• The Acorn Project in Scotland aims to reuse existing oil and gas infrastructure to capture and transport carbon to storage sites under the North Sea.
• HyNet in the North West of England brings together heavy industry, carbon capture technology and geological storage to form a new industrial cluster.
• The East Coast Cluster connects industrial areas in Yorkshire and Teesside with offshore storage locations, creating one of the largest potential carbon capture networks in Europe.

These projects are examples of how carbon capture across the UK is already underway.

Where Carbon Capture Is Happening

Most carbon capture projects in the UK are located near the coast. This makes it easier to move carbon dioxide to offshore storage sites. Regions such as the North East, the North West and parts of Scotland are leading development thanks to their existing infrastructure and access to geological storage.

Is Carbon Capture a Climate Solution or a Distraction?

There is debate about the role of carbon capture in addressing the climate crisis. Some believe it is essential for reducing emissions from sectors such as steel, cement and chemicals where few other options exist. Others argue that relying on this technology may slow down efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and that large-scale deployment remains unproven.

CCS and Nature-Based Solutions

Carbon capture uses engineered systems to remove and store carbon. Natural systems, on the other hand, absorb carbon through ecosystems like forests, wetlands and peatlands. These nature-based approaches not only store carbon but also support biodiversity, clean water and flood prevention.

You can explore how nature stores carbon by reading about understanding carbon sinks and why they matter. You can also take part in a project near you, such as helping to restore UK peatlands.

What Happens Next for CCS in the UK?

The UK government is supporting the next stage of carbon capture projects through what it calls Track One and Track Two funding rounds. These initiatives identify projects that are ready to move forward and provide investment to help them begin operation. As the industry grows, it will require clear policies, community involvement and transparent reporting.

Whether through technology like carbon capture or through natural systems such as restored peatlands, every approach to reducing emissions will play a part in shaping the future.

FAQs

What is carbon capture and storage?

Carbon capture and storage is a method of reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide and storing it underground where it cannot enter the atmosphere.

How does CCS work?

Carbon is captured at industrial or power sites, transported to a storage area and injected deep underground into secure rock formations.

Where is CCS being used in the UK?

Projects are underway in Scotland, the North West and the East Coast of England, with more regions preparing for development.

What are the benefits and challenges of carbon capture?

It offers a solution for reducing emissions from some industries but faces concerns about cost, scale and long-term effectiveness.

How is CCS different from nature-based solutions?

Carbon capture uses technical systems to store carbon underground, while natural methods rely on forests, wetlands and peatlands to absorb and store carbon over time.

Sources:

• https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/carbon-capture-usage-and-storage-programme.pdf
• https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-carbon-capture-usage-and-storage-ccus

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