05-08-2025
'Priority' projects selected for Hynet carbon capture scheme
The selected projects are in negotiations to use the Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage system to safely store the carbon dioxide they produce - up to the initial storage capacity of 4.5 million tonnes each year.
The project involves the construction of a 26km underground pipeline from Elton, Cheshire to the Point of Ayr gas terminal in Talacre - work on which is expected to start this summer.
At the Point of Ayr gas terminal, it will then transport carbon dioxide to a platform in the Douglas oil and gas field in the Irish Sea where it will be pumped into depleted oil and gas reservoirs rather than released into the atmosphere.
It is believed the project will support around 800 jobs in the construction phase.
A total of 10 carbon capture projects have been selected in total, covering a wide range of industries including cement, bioenergy, power generation and new clean technologies like direct air capture.
Five of the ten projects have been placed on a 'priority list', including two new projects. One is Connah's Quay Low Carbon Power, where proposals are being developed by Uniper for a new low carbon combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station. The other is Ince Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (InBECCS), in Cheshire.
What the new low carbon power station in Connah's Quay would look like. (Image: Uniper) Five projects are on 'standby', meaning they could be developed in future as more pipeline capacity becomes available. Additional storage capacity for regional industry will be provided through future expansion of Liverpool Bay CCS and the newly announced Morecambe Net Zero Peak Cluster projects.
HyNet's hydrogen network, considered to be the most advanced of its kind in the UK, will be assessed in a separate, upcoming government process, supported by £500m of funding.
HyNet Alliance partners believe this system, which includes hydrogen production, pipelines, storage, and a swath of regional industry demanding a low carbon fuel, is well-positioned to succeed in this next allocation round.
David Parkin, director of the HyNet Alliance, said: 'Today's announcement is another great step forward for the North West and North Wales, supporting regional clean energy production and securing further private sector investment.
'Our region has a proud legacy of industrial breakthroughs, and we're excited to build on that with technology that will provide industry with a route to grow and thrive into the future.
'Alongside the continuing expansion of the region's Carbon Capture and Storage infrastructure, we look forward to working with Government to deliver HyNet's hydrogen network, the most advanced in the UK, delivering homegrown, low carbon energy to industry across the region.
"These initiatives will cut carbon dioxide emissions, spark investment, create meaningful careers and boost local businesses.'
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Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: 'This is another significant moment for the growing clean energy industry in Wales.
'It's fantastic to see North Wales at the forefront of the carbon capture industry and the hundreds of new jobs being created by the HyNet project will help drive regional growth as well as accelerating our drive towards lower bills and energy security.'
The HyNet Priority Projects are as follows:
