Exolum and Severnside Carbon have signed a new agreement to advance the development of a CO₂ transport and storage hub at Avonmouth Docks in the Port of Bristol, a step forward for industrial decarbonisation in southwest England, the Midlands and South Wales. The project is intended to become the UK’s first large-scale, open-access CO₂ hub, combining rail and shipping infrastructure.

Under the deal, Exolum will take the lead through a newly created subsidiary, Exolum 7CO₂, which will be responsible for investing in and leading the next phase of development of the terminal. Severnside Carbon, which has driven the project to date, will remain involved as an adviser. Técnicas Reunidas, a Spanish engineering firm, will also join as a partner.

The terminal is expected to begin operations from 2031 and could handle up to six million tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the total emissions of southwest England’s existing industrial base.

“The energy transition needs resilient, future-ready infrastructure that gives industry access to the carbon capture ecosystem,” said Nacho Casajús, Senior Vice President at Exolum Global Energy Logistics. “Through Exolum 7CO₂, we are using our energy logistics expertise to create an independent, open-access CO₂ terminal that can scale over time, accelerating carbon capture across England and South Wales, with the reliability and high standards customers expect from Exolum.”

The project targets industrial regions that currently lack access to government-backed carbon capture infrastructure, including parts of southwest England, the Midlands and South Wales. Around half of UK industrial emissions fall outside existing clusters, according to the companies.

By offering shared infrastructure, the hub aims to lower barriers for industries looking to capture and store emissions, as well as support emerging sectors such as sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon data centres.

“Exolum’s investment in the 7CO₂ terminal is a significant step forward, giving regional emitters and wider stakeholders confidence to invest in carbon capture and related industries,” said Paul Davies, Co-founder of Severnside Carbon. “Exolum brings the operational excellence, specialist capability, and financial strength to reduce delivery risk and take the terminal from development into operation.”

In the photo: Avonmouth Docks. Photo courtesy of Exolum