ERM, the world’s largest specialist sustainability consultancy, has published a report commissioned by Viridor that explores the transformative potential of Carbon Capture and Storage in the UK’s Energy from Waste sector as part of the path to net zero. The report outlines EfW’s role in reducing landfill and recovering energy, and explains how integrating CCS can decarbonise non-recycled waste treatment while producing Carbon Dioxide Removals, which capture biogenic CO2. This approach is considered crucial for meeting the UK’s 2035 CDR target, with EfW projected to contribute an estimated 27 percent toward this goal.
The economic implications of deploying CCS in the EfW sector are substantial, with projections suggesting it could generate £19 billion in investment and create over 14,000 green jobs by 2050, alongside an almost £40 billion boost to Gross Value Added. This development could bolster the creation of CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, fostering economic revitalisation in the UK’s traditional industrial regions and supporting the government’s regional growth strategies.
Currently, six EfW facilities located near CO2 storage hubs have declared CCS plans, including Protos ERF and Viridor’s Runcorn ERF, both of which are in talks for government funding to launch by 2027 as part of the HyNet Cluster in North West England.
Tim Rotheray, chief sustainability officer at Viridor, noted, “Having looked at ways to decarbonise the waste sector, we have concluded that carbon capture is a crucial technology that complements ongoing efforts in reuse, recycling, and redesign. Today’s ERM report reinforces this perspective and highlights the potential benefits for both investors and government in supporting these initiatives.”
Silvian Baltac, partner leading ERM’s Industrial Decarbonisation practice, added, “ERM’s analysis shows that uptake of CCS across the UK’s EfW facilities is aligned with the UK’s net zero strategy and supports key government targets. It also provides significant opportunity for investment and green jobs in historic industrial areas that could support regional growth for decades to come.”
Owen Michaelson, chair of RRUK, emphasised, “We stand on the brink of an historic opportunity. The roll-out of CCS in EfW offers the chance not only to decarbonise essential public infrastructure but drive the UK closer to its net zero target and establish this country as a world leader in carbon capture deployment. The Government’s commitment to this programme, through policy support and funding, has brought us to a momentous point and, as an industry, we are ready to deliver on the promise of what can be achieved. It’s time to turn the CCS vision into reality.”
Olivia Powis, CEO of the CCSA, stated, “As part of the UK’s mission for clean power by 2030 and net zero by 2050, we need to utilise all technologies available. For energy from waste, carbon capture and storage is the only viable route to prevent CO2 reaching the atmosphere. If we are to reduce emissions by at least 81 percent on 1990 levels by 2035, CCS on EfW facilities will decarbonise waste incineration, produce power as a by-product and can contribute to negative emissions.”
For more information visit www.viridor.co.uk
